Heat transfer to non‐newtonian fluids

Abstract This paper presents the first theoretical analyses combined with an experimental study of the variables controlling heat transfer rates to non‐Newtonian fluids in the streamline‐flow region. The theoretical analyses, for the limiting types of non‐Newtonian materials, were related to the intermediate case of Newtonian behavior to form a coherent theory applicable to Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids alike. The experimental data covered Graetz numbers between 100 and 2,000 and were correlated with a mean deviation of 13.5%. The flow‐behavior indexes of the three non‐Newtonian fluids used varied form 0.18 to 0.70. Some preliminary non‐Newtonian results are presented on the problems of nonisothermal fluid‐flow pressure losses and heat transfer outside the laminar‐flow region. Further theoretical work is recommended in both these areas. Additional experimental data would be of value in all of the problems discussed.