Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Rheological Models on Measurements of Shear-Thinning Fluid Flow in Smooth Pipes

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects rheological models shear-thinning fluids and their estimated parameters on predictions laminar, transitional, turbulent flow. investigation was carried out through experimental computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies in horizontal pipes (diameters 19.1 mm 76.2 mm). Six using Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations CFD_ANSYS Fluent 19.0 were examined a 3D simulation followed by comparison between numerical results. Regarding results laminar regions power-law rheology models, Metzner Reed presented best fit for pressure loss transitional velocity. For region, correlations observed Wilson Thomas as well Dodge Matzner had good agreement with Herschel–Bulkley fluids, losses based yielded region compared modified Slatter number, where provided estimation. both pipe diameters, model regime. Furthermore, when comparing k-omega k-epsilon turbulence behaviour, delivered most accurate that have higher behaviour index. However, error percentage significantly increased at shear rate greater yield stress effect. Moreover, viscosity function Papanastasiou implemented current CFD study. This numerically stabilized, devoid discontinuity low strain rate, more effective regions.