A numerical model has been developed to simulate laminar flow of Power-law and Yield-Power law fluids in conduits of arbitrary cross-section. The model is based on general, nonorthogonal, boundary-fitted, curvilinear coordinates, and represents a new approach to the solution of annular flow problems. The use of an effective viscosity in the governing equation of the flow allows the study of the flow behavior of any fluid for which the shear stress is a function of shear rate only. The model has been developed primarily to simulate annular flow of fluids used in drilling and completion operations of oil or gas wells. Predicted flow rates versus pressure gradient for laminar flow of Newtonian fluids in concentric and eccentric annuli, and Power-law fluids in concentric annuli compare very well with results derived from analytical expressions. Moreover, the predictions for laminar flow of Power-law and Yield-Power-law fluids in eccentric annuli are in excellent agreement with numerical and experimental data published in the literature. The model was also successfully applied to the case of laminar flow of Power-law fluids in an eccentric annulus containing a stationary bed of drilled cuttings and the results are presented herein.
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December 1993
Research Papers
Numerical Simulation of Laminar Flow of Yield-Power-Law Fluids in Conduits of Arbitrary Cross-Section
Idir Azouz,
Idir Azouz
Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
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Siamack A. Shirazi,
Siamack A. Shirazi
Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
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Ali Pilehvari,
Ali Pilehvari
Petroleum Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
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J. J. Azar
J. J. Azar
Petroleum Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
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Idir Azouz
Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
Siamack A. Shirazi
Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
Ali Pilehvari
Petroleum Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
J. J. Azar
Petroleum Engineering Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
J. Fluids Eng. Dec 1993, 115(4): 710-716 (7 pages)
Published Online: December 1, 1993
Article history
Received:
June 12, 1992
Revised:
March 3, 1993
Online:
May 23, 2008
Citation
Azouz, I., Shirazi, S. A., Pilehvari, A., and Azar, J. J. (December 1, 1993). "Numerical Simulation of Laminar Flow of Yield-Power-Law Fluids in Conduits of Arbitrary Cross-Section." ASME. J. Fluids Eng. December 1993; 115(4): 710–716. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2910203
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