Accurate correlations for turbulent pipe flow of shear-thinning fluids

Abstract

Turbulent pipe flow of generalised Newtonian (GN) fluids is prevalent in many industries. However, outstanding challenges include the accurate prediction of both the pressure gradient (or friction factor Cf) and the Reynolds number Returb which marks the onset of predominantly turbulent pipe flow. Although validated over a limited range of conditions, conventional methods such as empirical correlations and numerical simulations with unvalidated turbulence closures yield large errors when applied outside this range. This study addresses these challenges by using a validated direct numerical simulation (DNS) method for shear-thinning GN turbulent pipe flow, which resolves all spatiotemporal sc..