Slow non-Newtonian flow past an assemblage of rigid spheres

Abstract

Previous work on slow flow of non-Newtonian fluids past particles assemblages has been reviewed. Using a combination of Happel's free surface model and variational principles, bounds on the drag have been obtained for the creeping flow of a Carreau Model fluid past an assemblage of rigid spheres. The bounds are related to friction factor for flow through fixed beds of spherical particles. Numerical results covering a wide range of model parameters and bed voidages are presented. Theoretical predictions are validated by comparing with experimental results reported in the literature that involve viscoelastic fluids. Arithmetic averages of the two bounds compare well for 182 data points with an average error of 12%. It is demonstrated that the present analysis, though based on a purely viscous model, can predict creeping flow behaviour in rigid particles assemblage for both inelastic and viscoelastic fluids.