ABSTRACT

The Integral Transform Method is reviewed both as a purely analytical and a hybrid numerical-analytical approach in the solution of convective heat transfer problems of non-newtonian fluids inside ducts, which offers automatic error control and mild increase in computational effort for multidimensional applications. The solution methodology and computational procedure are briefly discussed, and illustrative results are presented for several situations of convection in channels, involving different fluid rheological models and physical arrangements including developed and developing flow configurations. The conclusions summarize the research needs in the application of this hybrid method to more complex cases in non-newtonian heat and fluid flow.