Finite element study of mixed convection micropolar flow in a vertical circular pipe with variable surface conditions

Abstract

In the present paper the problem of fully developed mixed convection flow of a micropolar fluid with heat sources, in a vertical circular pipe has been studied. The governing non-linear coupled differential equations are solved by using the finite element technique. The effect of the micropolar parameter, heat source parameter, surface parameter and dissipation parameter on the velocity, micro-rotation and temperature functions have been discussed. The heat sources increase the velocity and temperature in the pipe while the heat sinks decrease them. The micropolar fluid thus behaves as a coolant and such a type of flow has useful applications in combustion chambers, exhaust nozzles of porous walled flow reactors, and the design of chemical processing equipment.