Influence of Planar Confinement on Momentum and Heat Transfer from a Blunt‐Headed Cylinder to Generalized Newtonian Fluids.

This study investigated the momentum and thermal characteristics of a blunt‐headed cylinder immersed in a stream of generalized Newtonian fluids (i.e., power‐law fluids) under various planar confinements. The flow and heat transfer characteristics were obtained by solving the constitutive equations with a finite‐element‐based solver for varying ranges of governing parameters. Reynolds number (Re = 1–40), Prandtl number (Pr = 5–100), power‐law index (n = 0.3–1.8), and blockage ratios (β = 2–40) were considered as the governing parameters for the study. Streamlines, drag coefficients, isotherm contours, and average Nusselt numbers were obtained as output parameters of the study. The local distribution of the pressure coefficient and Nusselt number are also presented to gain deep insight into the vicinity of the blunt‐headed cylinder. Shear‐thickening and shear‐thinning fluids exhibited an inverse trend for flow separation under planar confinements. The average Nusselt number exhibits a positive correlation with the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers while showing negative dependence on the power‐law index and blockage ratio. Overall, momentum and heat transfer show complex relationships with the governing parameters. The functional relationships are shown as correlations for flow‐separation Reynolds number, total drag force, and average Nusselt number on relevant dimensionless parameters for general applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]