Simulation of Non-Newtonian Flow and Heat Transfer over a Rotating Circular Cylinder using Lattice Boltzmann Method

In the current study, the non-Newtonian flow over a cylinder is simulated using the lattice Boltzmann method. Two-dimensional unsteady flow at Re=100 and Pr=20 for different non-Newtonian power-law indices (0.4≤n≤1.8) and rotational ratios (0≤β≤3) is investigated. The effects of dimensionless rotational ratio and the power–law index on the vorticity contour, isotherm contour, local Nusselt number, average Nusselt number, periodic average Nusselt number and periodic-surface average Nusselt number are studied in detail. The results show that the fluid behavior changes from Newtonian to shear-thickening, the isotherms contour become elongated and wide, while the change in the liquid behavior from Newtonian to shear-thinning shows the reverse influence on the isotherm patterns. As dimensionless rotational ratio increases, the fluid and the thermal fields become steady. This behavior occurs in both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. It is found that the increment of the shear-thinning and shear thickening of the fluid leads to the increase and decrease of heat transfer rate of circular cylinder surface, respectively. Results also show that the heat transfer rate of circular cylinder surface decreases with increasing of dimensionless rotational ratio.