Finite element analysis of two‐dimensional slow non‐newtonian flows

A finite element method is applied to isothermal incompressible two‐dimensional slow flows of power‐law fluids. Examples considered are rectangular and axisymmetric converging channel flows, recirculating flows in rectangular channels, and flow round cylinders. Results are successfully compared with both finite difference and analytical solutions. The flexibility of finite element methods makes them very suitable for problems involving complex boundary geometries. The method used is particularly suitable for non‐Newtonian flows and can treat both rectangular and axisymmetric geometries.