Computing non-Newtonian fluid flow with radial basis function networks

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the application of radial basis function networks (RBFNs) for solving non-Newtonian fluid flow problems. Indirect RBFNs, which are based on an integration process, are employed to represent the solution variables; the governing differential equations are discretized by means of point collocation. To enhance numerical stability, stress-splitting techniques are utilized. The proposed method is verified through the computation of the rectilinear and non-rectilinear flows in a straight duct and the axisymmetric flow in an undulating tube using Newtonian, power-law, Criminale-Ericksen-Filbey (CEF) and Oldroyd-B models. The obtained results are in good agreement with the analytic and benchmark solutions.