Numerical simulation of the electroosmotic flow of the Carreau-Yasuda model in the rectangular microchannel

Purpose In this paper aims to investigate the numerical simulation of the electroosmotic flow of the Carreau-Yasuda model in the rectangular microchannel. Electromagnetic current is generated by applying an effective electric field in the direction of the current. Design/methodology/approach The non-Newtonian model used is the five-constant Carreau-Yasuda model which the non-Newtonian properties of the fluid can be well modeled. Using the finite difference method, the potential values at all points in the domain are obtained. Then, the governing equations (momentum conservation) and the energy equation are segregated and solved using a finite difference method. Findings In this paper, the effect of various parameters such as Weisenberg number, electrokinetic diameter, exponential power number on the velocity field and Brinkman and Pecklet dimensionless numbers on temperature distribution are investigated. The results show that increasing the Weissenberg dimensionless number and exponential power and diameter parameters reduces the maximum velocity field in the microchannel. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is reported for the first time.