title: Computer algebra models the inertial dynamics of a thin film flow of power law fluids and other non-Newtonian fluids creator: Roberts, A. J. subject: 291801 Fluidization and Fluid Mechanics subject: 291803 Turbulent Flows subject: 230113 Dynamical Systems subject: 230107 Differential, Difference and Integral Equations description: Consider the evolution of a thin layer of non-Newtonian fluid. I model the case of a nonlinear viscosity that depends only upon the shear-rate; power law fluids are an important example, but the analysis is for general nonlinear dependence upon the shear-rate. The modelling allows for large changes in film thickness provided the changes occur over a large enough lateral length scale. The modelling is based on two macroscopic modes by fudging the spectrum: here fiddle the surface boundary condition for tangential stress so that, as well as a mode representing conservation of fluid, the lateral shear flow u ∝ y is a neutral critical mode. Thus the resultant model describes the dynamics of gravity currents of non-Newtonian fluids when their flow is not very slow. For an introduction I first report on an analogous case of nonlinear diffusive dissipation. publisher: University of Southern Queensland date: 2007-02-17 type: Report type: NonPeerReviewed format: application/pdf identifier: http://eprints.usq.edu.au/2010/1/Roberts_Feb2007_Computer_algebra.pdf identifier: Roberts, A. J. (2007) Computer algebra models the inertial dynamics of a thin film flow of power law fluids and other non-Newtonian fluids. Technical Report. University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished) relation: http://eprints.usq.edu.au/2010/