Flow and Heat Transfer of Quiescent Non-Newtonian Power-Law Fluid Driven by a Moving Plate: An Integral Approach

The problem of boundary layer flow and heat transfer from a plate moving in a quiescent non-Newtonian power law fluid medium is solved numerically to obtain results showing the effects of power-law index and Reynolds number on friction and heat transfer coefficients. A decrease in friction coefficients and an increase in heat transfer coefficients is observed for power-law liquids in comparison with water. Further in the case of a power-law liquid, an increase in the velocity of the plate also produces a reduction in drag and an increase in heat transfer. Compared to a Newtonian liquid, the friction coefficient decreases by 57% for a non-Newtonian liquid of power-law index, n = 0.568 at Re=2000. By increasing the Reynolds number to 10000, the friction coefficient decreases to 66% in comparison with a Newtonian liquid. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.