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We implemented an adaptively refined least-squares finite element approach for the Navier-Stokes equations that govern generalized Newtonian fluid flows using the Carreau model. To capture the flow region, we developed an adaptive mesh refinement approach based on the least-squares method. The generated refined grids agree well with the physical attributes of the flows. We also proved that the least-squares approximation converges to the linearized versions solutions of the Carreau model at the best possible rate. Model problems considered in the study are the flow past a planar channel and 4-to-1 contraction problems. We presented the numerical results of the model problems, revealing the efficiency of the proposed scheme, and investigated the physical parameter effects.

We study a nonlinear weighted least-squares finite element method for the Navier- Stokes equations governing non-Newtonian fluid flows by using the Carreau- Yasuda model. The Carreau-Yasuda model is used to describe the shear-thinning behavior of blood. We prove that the least-squares approximation converges to linearized solutions of the non-Newtonian model at the optimal rate. By using continuous piecewise linear finite element spaces for all variables and by appropriately adjusting the nonlinear weighting function, we obtain optimal L2-norm error convergence rates in all variables. Numerical results are given for a Carreau fluid in the 4-to-1 contraction problem, revealing the shear-thinning behavior. The physical parameter effects are also investigated.

This paper presents a least-squares finite element method for linear Phan-Thien–Tanner(PTT) viscoelastic fluid flows. We consider stabilized weights in the LS method for the viscoelastic model and prove that the LS approximation converges to the linearized solutions of the linear PTT model; the convergence is at the optimal rate for the velocity in the H1-norm and at suboptimal rates for the stress and pressure in the L2-norm, respectively. For numerical experiments, we first consider the flow through a planar channel to illustrate our theoretical results. The LS method is then applied to a flow through the slot channel with two depth ratios and the effects of physical parameters are discussed. Numerical solutions of the channel problem indicate that flow characteristics of the viscoelastic polymer solution are described by the results obtained using the method. Furthermore, we present the hole pressure for various Weissenberg numbers, and compare with that derived from the Higashitani–Pritchard (HP) theory.