Shear Thinning Flows in Valves and Orifices

[dengmech]

I'm working with a shear thinning fluid and I am trying to predict the effects of reducing apparent viscosity on the flow through sharp edged orifices and valves. The theoretical models I have seen do not include any reference to viscosity and therefore make it quite difficult to predict the effects of a shear thinning fluid on the orifice pressure flow characteristics. Does anyone know of a good source regarding this topic or a method to account for the changing viscosity.

 

[Latexman]

I'm not near my copy right now to look for your specific request, but Skelland is one of the "go to" references on non-Newtonian flow and heat transfer. The Chemical Engineers' Handbook may help too.

Good luck,
Latexman

Technically, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.