Apparent viscosity of a fluid–gas mixture

✍ Scribed by David H. Lewis Jr.; P. R. Ryason

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1980
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 383 KB
• Volume: 25
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-8995
• DOI: 10.1002/app.1980.070250816

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The inertia free flow of a one‐dimensional, isothermal fluid–gas mixture in a tube of constant radius is analyzed. The fluid is viscous, non‐Newtonian, and incompressible; the gas is inviscid and compressible. Integration of the equations of continuity, momentum, and state enable the prediction of axial pressure, velocity, density, volumetric flow rate, and shear–stress profiles. Departures from corresponding profiles observed in the flow of non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids are evident. The apparent viscosity of the fluid–gas mixture is computed and compared to that of the fluid alone. A reduction in apparent viscosity is noted. Previously reported experimental evidence of a reduction in viscosity in a non‐Newtonian fluid–gas mixture is recalled and it is claimed that the physical model presented here is capable of explaining the observed reduction in apparent viscosity.