Numerical modeling of transient non Newtonian thinning fluid flow

Abstract

This study concerns a numerical simulation of transient non-Newtonian fluid flow in a hydraulic pipe resulting from sudden valve closure, commonly known as waterhammer or hydraulic shock. The fluid behaves as a law power model. The basic equations are solved numerically by the characteristic method to obtain average pressure and velocity across a right sections of pipe and, a flow velocity profile by a Runge–Kutta scheme of fourth-order. The results of the present model agree suitably with those found in the literature [1]. This study highlights the remarkable effects of the properties of this fluids on the pressure oscillations generated by hydraulic waterhammer compared to fluids of Newtonian behavior.