SS symmetry

Article
Heat Induction by Viscous Dissipation Subjected to
Symmetric and Asymmetric Boundary Conditions on
a Small Oscillating Flow in a Microchannel
Chih Ping Tso , Chee Hao Hor , Gooi Mee Chen * and Chee Kuang Kok
Multimedia University, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Melaka 75450, Malaysia;
cptso@mmu.edu.my (C.P.T.); andyhorcheehao@yahoo.com (C.H.H.); ckkok@mmu.edu.my (C.K.K.)
* Correspondence: gmchen@mmu.edu.my; Tel.: +60-252-3342




Received: 29 August 2018; Accepted: 10 October 2018; Published: 15 October 2018


Abstract: The heat induced by viscous dissipation in a microchannel fluid, due to a small oscillating
motion of the lower plate, is investigated for the first time. The methodology is by applying
the momentum and energy equations and solving them for three cases of standard thermal
boundary conditions. The first two cases involve symmetric boundary conditions of constant
surface temperature on both plates and both plates insulated, respectively. The third case has
the asymmetric conditions that the lower plate is insulated while the upper plate is maintained
at constant temperature. Results reveal that, although the fluid velocity is only depending on the
oscillation rate of the plate, the temperature field for all three cases show that the induced heating is
dependent on the oscillation rate of the plate, but strongly dependent on the parameters Brinkman
number and Prandtl number. All three cases prove that the increasing oscillation rate or Brinkman
number and decreasing Prandtl number, when it is less than unity, will significantly increase the
temperature field. The present model is applied to the synovial fluid motion in artificial hip implant
and results in heat induced by viscous dissipation for the second case shows remarkably close
agreement with the experimental literature.

Keywords: Microchannel; oscillating fluid flow; viscous dissipation; Brinkman number; Prandtl
number; synovial fluid

1. Introduction
Heat transfer in parallel plates flow plays an essential role in processes such as in heat exchangers,
extrusion, glass fiber drawing, and metal forming, where the heat is exchanged continuously with the
surrounding fluid and plate surfaces [1]. The insight of fluid rheology behaviour is vital and can affect
the quality efficiency during the heat transfer process. Viscous dissipation, a development of heat
induced due to the work done by viscous friction acting within a fluid may cause significant rise in
fluid temperature led by the presence of large velocity gradients [2]. The effect of viscous dissipation
can contribute to a significant amount of heat generation under certain situations such as flow in
microchannels and microtubes [3–5]. Ignoring the viscous dissipation in such circumstances could
markedly affect fluid flow accuracy [6]. Often, the viscous dissipation effect in the conservation of
energy is in the form of a dimensionless term, known as the Brinkman number, Br, with a zero value
of Br implying no viscous dissipation.
Previous studies have been reported in the literature regarding the viscous dissipation effect
on forced convective heat transfer [1–11]. For example, Aydin and Avci [1] revealed the effect of
viscous dissipation on the fully-developed convection heat transfer in pipes, subjected to constant
wall temperature and constant wall heat flux, respectively, and concluded that the temperature effect

Symmetry 2018, 10, 499; doi:10.3390/sym10100499 www.mdpi.com/journal/symmetry

Symmetry 2018,
Symmetry
10, x FOR
Symmetry
2018,
PEER10,REVIEW
2018,
x FOR10,PEER
x FOR
REVIEW
PEER REVIEW 2 of 13 2 of 13 2 of 13
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 2 of 13

emperature temperature
and constant
temperature and wall constant
and
heatconstant
flux,
wallrespectively,
heat
wallflux, heatrespectively,
flux,
and respectively,
concluded and concluded
that and theconcluded
temperature
that thethat temperature
effect
the temperature
is effect iseffect is
Symmetry 2018,
Symmetry
10, x FOR 2018, PEER10, xREVIEW
FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 13 2 of 13
evident when evident𝐵𝑟evident
isiswhen large.
evident 𝐵𝑟Sheela
when when 𝐵𝑟Br
is large. andisisSheela
large.
Tso
large. [3]
Sheela
and addressed
Sheela Tso and [3]Tso
and addressed
the[3]
Tso Newtonian
[3] addressedthe Newtonian
addressed fluid
the
theNewtonian
flow
Newtonian fluid
studyflow fluid
with
fluidstudy flow
flow study
with
study withwith
asymmetricasymmetric
thermal asymmetric
boundary
asymmetric thermalthermal conditions
boundary
thermal boundary
and
conditions
boundary taking
conditions
and
into taking
conditions account
and
and taking
intotheaccount
taking viscous
into
into account the
dissipation.
account viscous
the
the viscous
dissipation.
The fluid dissipation.
The fluid The
The fluid
fluid
temperature temperature
and constant andwall constant heat wall flux, heatrespectively,
flux, respectively,
and concluded and concluded
that the temperature that the temperature effect is effect is
low was subjected
flow was flow
tosubjected
flow either
was
was subjected
a fixed
to either
subjected ortotomoving
aeither
fixedaaboundary
either orfixedmoving
fixed or moving
and
boundary
moving results
boundaryand
boundarywereresultsexpressed
and
and results
werein
results expressed
were
temperature
were expressed
in temperature
expressed in
in temperature
temperature
evident whenevident 𝐵𝑟 when is large. 𝐵𝑟 Sheelais large. and Sheela
Tso [3] andaddressed
Tso [3] addressed the Newtonian the Newtonian fluid flowfluid study flow with study with
profiles together
profiles with
profiles
together
the Nusselt
together
with the number.
with Nusselt
the Nusselt
number. number.
number.
asymmetric asymmetric
thermal boundary thermal boundary conditionsconditions and takingand intotaking
account intothe account
viscous the dissipation.
viscous dissipation. The fluid The fluid
While the case WhileofWhile the
onecase
While ofthe
thethe
ofcaseone
parallel
case of
of one
of the
oneplates
of
parallel
themoving
parallel
plates in plates
moving
constant moving
invelocity
moving constant in constant
and velocity
constant the othervelocity
andplate
velocity theand
andotherthe
the plate
other
other plate
plate
flow was subjected
flow was subjectedto either ato fixed
either or amoving
fixed orboundarymoving boundary and results andwere resultsexpressed were expressedin temperature in temperature
stationary is stationary stationary
well-known is well-known is
as Couette well-known
well-known flow
as Couette as Couette
orasCouette-Poiseuille
flow orflow
Couette flow or Couette-Poiseuille
Couette-Poiseuille
flow, the case
or Couette-Poiseuille flow, when theflow,
flow, the
case
the the
plate
whencase
casemotion when
the plate
when the plate
motion
the plate motion
motion is
profiles together
profileswith together the Nusselt
with thenumber. Nusselt number.
s oscillatingis had
oscillating
only
is oscillating
been
oscillating hadalluded
only
had had been
only
onlyto andalluded
been
been consequences
alluded
to andtoto
alluded consequences
and
andof the consequences
full solution
consequences of the of full
ofhas the
the solution
less
fullcommonly
full solution
has less
solution has
has less commonly
commonly
been less been beenbeen
While theWhile case of theone case of of theone parallel
of theplates parallel movingplatesinmoving constant in velocity
constantand velocitythe other and the plate other plate
discussed [12–15].
discussed discussed
It is
[12–15].
even [12–15].
rare
It iswhen
even It is
viscous
rare
even whenrare
dissipation
viscous
when viscous
dissipation
effect is
dissipation
considered
effect
discussed [12–15]. It is even rare when viscous dissipation effect is considered in a finite oscillating flow. is
effect
considered
in a is
finite
considered
oscillating
in a finite
in a finite
oscillating
finite oscillating
oscillating
stationarystationary
is well-known is well-known
as Couetteasflow Couette
or Couette-Poiseuille
flow or Couette-Poiseuille flow, the case flow,when the case the whenplate motionthe plate motion
low. Mostflow. of the Most
flow.
Mostliterature
of
Most
of the focusof
literature
theon
literature literature
unidirectional
focusonon
focus focus unidirectional
onflows
unidirectional unidirectional
when
flowsflows
studying
when when
flows the
studying
when
studying effect studying
the of
the viscous
effect effect
oftheviscous
of
effect
viscous
of viscous
dissipation.
is oscillating
is oscillating
had only been had only alluded beentoalludedand consequences
to and consequences of the full of solution
the fullhas solution
less commonlyhas less commonly been been
dissipation.dissipation.
It is noteworthy
dissipation.It is noteworthy
It is noteworthy that
It isthe noteworthy
thatclassic
thatclassic
the case
thethatclassic
of case
the
a single
classic
case
of aplate
of case
a single
single moving
of a plate
plate singlein an
moving moving
plate
infinite
inmoving
in fluid
an an infinite
infiniteinmedium
an infinite
fluid fluid medium
medium fluid has
medium
been
discussed discussed
[12–15]. It[12–15]. is even rare It is even
whenrare viscous
whendissipation
viscous dissipationeffect is considered
effect is considered in a finite in oscillating
a finite oscillating
has been studied
has been as
has Stoke’s
studied
been studied
first
as Stoke’s
problem,
as
studied as Stoke’s first problem, when theStoke’s
first when
problem,
first
the problem,
plate
when is the
suddenly
when platethe isaccelerated
plate
suddenly is suddenly
accelerated
on a stationary
accelerated
on
is suddenly accelerated on a stationary fluid [15]. a fluid
stationary
on a stationary
fluid fluid
flow. Most flow.
of the Most literature
of the literaturefocus on focus unidirectional
on unidirectional flows when flows studying
when studying the effect the of viscous
effect of viscous
15]. Stoke’s[15].
secondStoke’s
[15].problem
Stoke’s Stoke’s
second
second involves
second
problem
problem problem
a single
involves
involvesoscillating
involves
a single
a single a plate
oscillating
single inoscillating
oscillatingtheplateinfinite
plate inplate
the
inmedium
the infinite
ininfinite
the[15]. infinite
medium
medium medium
[15].[15]. [15].
dissipation.dissipation.
It is noteworthy It is noteworthy
that the classic that the case classic
of a single
case of plate
a single
moving plateinmoving an infinite in an fluid
infinite
medium fluid medium
Therefore, the Therefore,
novelty Therefore,
the
Therefore,of thenoveltythe
present
the novelty
of the
novelty study present
of
of the
is
thetopresent
provide
study is
present study
atovital
study provide
is
is insight
to
to provide
a vital
provide intoainsight
the
vital
vital effect
insight
intoofthe
insight viscous
into
effect
into the
theof effect
viscous
effect of viscous
viscous
has been studied
has been asstudied
Stoke’s as firstStoke’s
problem, first when
problem, the plate
whenisthe suddenly
plate is suddenly
accelerated accelerated
on a stationary on a stationary
fluid fluid
dissipationdissipation dissipation
within a microchannel,withinwithin within a
a microchannel,
awheremicrochannel,
the where
microchannel, fluidwhere where
isthe the
hydrodynamically
fluid
the fluid fluid is
is hydrodynamicallyhydrodynamically
driven by an
is hydrodynamically driven driven
oscillating
driven by
bybyananoscillating an oscillating
oscillating lower
[15]. Stoke’s
[15].second
Stoke’s problem
secondinvolves problemainvolves single oscillating
a single oscillating
plate in the plate
infinite
in the medium
infinite[15]. medium [15].
ower plate.lower
This study
plate.
lower
plate.will This
plate.
Thisinclude
study
Thiswill
study study
theinclude
will symmetric
will include
include the
theandsymmetric
the
asymmetric
symmetric symmetric
and
andasymmetric
thermal
and asymmetric
asymmetric boundary
thermal
thermal thermal
conditions
boundary
boundary boundary
that
conditions
conditions conditions
that that
that shows
Therefore,Therefore,
the novelty theofnovelty
the present of the study
present is tostudy
provide is toa provide
vital insight a vital into insight
the effect into of theviscous
effect of viscous
shows the wideshowscoverage
shows
the widewide theofcoverage
coverage
wide
viscous coverage
dissipation
of viscous
of viscous
dissipation
impact dissipation
on the
impact flow. impact
on Thethe authors
onflow.
of viscous dissipation impact on the flow. The authors notice that some relevantthe The
flow.
notice
authors
Thethat authors
notice
some notice
that some
that some
dissipation dissipation
within a microchannel,
within a microchannel, where thewhere fluid is thehydrodynamically
fluid is hydrodynamically driven bydriven an oscillating
by an oscillating
relevant experimental
relevant relevant
experimental
results
experimental experimental
had results
beenhad
results reported
results
hadbeen beenhadonreported
reportedbeen
the related
reported
on on
the theproblem
on
related
related the ofrelated
problem problem
synovial ofproblem
of
fluid
synovial synovial
motion
offluid
synovial
fluidin motion
motion fluid
in anmotion
inartificial
in
lower plate.lower
Thisplate.
studyThis willstudyinclude will theinclude
symmetric the symmetric
and asymmetric and asymmetric
thermal boundary thermal boundary conditionsconditions that that
an artificialanhip artificial
joint,
an
hipartificial
which
hip which
joint, joint,
will
hip whichjoint,
be discussed
will bewhich
will bewill
discussed in
discussed
Section
in beSection
discussed
in
3.3. Section
3.3.The in thin
The Section
3.3.layer
thin The
layer 3.3. of
thin
ofThesynovial
layer
thin of layer
fluid
synovial
fluid isof
isencapsuled
synovial
fluid isfluid
within is
shows theshows wide coverage
the wide of coverage
viscousofdissipationviscous dissipation impact onimpact the flow. on the Theflow. authors Thenotice authors thatnotice
somethat some
encapsuledencapsuled
withinencapsuled
the moving
within within
thefemoral
moving
the
the moving femoral head and the stationary head
moving
femoral
and femoral
the
head stationary
and
head the and
acetabular
stationary
the stationary
cup.
acetabular Thus,acetabular
the
cup. developed
Thus,
cup. the
Thus, the developed model is used to Thus, developed
the developed
relevant experimental
relevant experimental results had results
been had reportedbeen on reported
the related on the problem
relatedof problem
synovial offluidsynovialmotion fluid inmotion in
model is used modelto simulate
model
is usedisto
simulate the
used
simulate
the thermal
to simulate
thermal the
hydraulics
thermal
the thermal
hydraulics hydraulics
characteristics
hydraulics
characteristics characteristics
ininthe
characteristics
thesynovial
synovial in the fluid.
synovial
in the synovial
fluid. fluid. fluid.
an artificial
an hipartificial
joint, hip which joint, will whichbe discussed
will be discussed in Sectionin3.3. Section
The thin 3.3. layerThe thin of synovial
layer of fluid synovial is fluid is
encapsuled
2. Problem2. encapsuled
within the
2. Problem
Description
Problem2. Problem within
moving
Description
and Analysis the femoral
moving
Description
Description and Analysis head
femoraland
and Analysis
and Analysis head
the stationary
and the stationary
acetabular acetabular
cup. Thus, cup.
the Thus,
developed the developed
model is used
model to is
simulate
used tothe simulate
thermal thehydraulics
thermal hydraulics characteristics characteristics
in the synovial in thefluid. synovial fluid.
Figure 1 considers
Figure Figure Figure
1anconsiders 11 considers
unsteady considers
anlaminar an unsteady
unsteady
an unsteady
Newtonian
laminarlaminarlaminar
Newtonian
fluid flow Newtonian
Newtonian
within
fluid flow afluid
fluid flow within
microchannel
within
flow within
a microchannelaa microchannel
with microchannel
two with two with two
with two
nfinite parallel
2. Problem infinite infinite
plates
infinite
parallel
2. Description
Problem Description parallel
distanced
parallel
plates
and Analysis W plates
distanced
plates
apart distanced
distanced
from
and Analysis W apart
each WW apart
other,
from
apart from
each
where
from each
other,
each
the other,
upper
where
other, where
plate
where
the upper
is the
the
fixed upper
upper
platewhile isplate
plate
fixed
the is
is fixed
while
fixed while
the
while the
the
ower one islower lower
oscillating
one
lower is with
oscillating
one is timeoscillating
dependent
with time with
with time
time dependent
dependent
velocity 𝑢=
dependentvelocity velocity
𝑈 sin(𝜔𝑡). 𝑢 =The
velocity 𝑢𝑢upper
=
==𝑈
𝑈usin(𝜔𝑡). 𝑈 sin(𝜔𝑡).
Usin(𝜔𝑡).
sin
and
The ).The
(ωtlower
upper Theplates
upper
and
upper lower
areandplates
and lowerare
lower plates are
plates are
Figure 1 considers
Figure 1 considers an unsteady an unsteady
laminar Newtonian laminar Newtonian fluid flowfluid within flow a microchannel
within a microchannel with two with two
subjected tosubjected
arbitrarysubjected
subjected
totemperatures
arbitrary
to arbitrarytemperatures
denoted temperatures
in denoted
generaldenoted in 𝑇
as general
𝑎 and
in 𝑇
general
as ,
𝑏 𝑎 𝑇 as
respectively.
and T𝑇
𝑇 a𝑇
𝑎𝑏 and
and
, T 𝑇𝑇, respectively.
respectively.
b 𝑏 , respectively.
infinite parallel
infiniteplatesparallel distanced
plates distanced
W apart from W apart eachfrom other, eachwhere other, thewhereupperthe plate upperis fixed platewhileis fixed the while the
lower onelower
is oscillating
one is oscillating
with time with dependent velocity 𝑢velocity
time dependent = 𝑈 sin(𝜔𝑡). 𝑢 = 𝑈The sin(𝜔𝑡).
upperThe andupper lowerand plates lower are plates are
subjected subjected
to arbitrary to temperatures
arbitrary temperatures denoted indenoted generalin 𝑇𝑎 andas𝑇𝑏𝑇, 𝑎respectively.
asgeneral and 𝑇𝑏 , respectively.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the microchannel.

Figure 1. Schematic
Figure 1.
Figure
diagram
Schematic
1. of
Schematic
the
diagram
microchannel.
diagram
of the microchannel.
of the microchannel.
The general conservation of momentum and energy are represented in typical symbols (see
The generalTheconservation
general
The generalconservation
of momentum
conservationof momentum
and of energy
momentum and are energyrepresented
and energy are represented
inare
typical
represented symbols
in typical in(see
typical
symbols symbols
(see (see
Nomenclature) Figurein 1.Equation
Schematic
Figure 1.(1) and Equation
diagram
Schematic ofdiagram
the (2),the
microchannel. respectively. These are for Newtonian, laminar,
Nomenclature)
Nomenclature)
in Nomenclature)
Equationin(1)Equation
and inEquation
Equation
(1) and(2), (1)
Equation
respectively.
and Equation (2), (2), of
respectively.
These are microchannel.
respectively.
forThese
Newtonian,
are
These for are
Newtonian,
laminar,
for Newtonian,
and laminar, laminar,
and and
and incompressible flow with constant properties [16,17]:
ncompressible
incompressible
flow
incompressible
with constant
flow with flow
properties
constant
with constant [16,17]:
properties properties[16,17]:[16,17]:
The generalTheconservation
general conservation
of momentum of momentum and→energy and are!energy
representedare represented
in typical in symbols
typical (see symbols (see
∂ u𝜕𝑢⃗⃗ → → → →
Nomenclature)
Nomenclature)
in Equation in (1)
Equation
and 𝜕𝑢⃗
𝜌 ( Equation
+(1)⃗ ∙and
𝑢 𝛻𝑢
𝜕𝑢
𝜌⃗ ()(2),
⃗
Equation𝜌𝑢
ρ=+respectively.
𝜌
−𝛻𝑝
⃗(∙ 𝛻𝑢 ++ +
⃗+(2),
)u𝑢⃗𝑢⃗=
𝜇𝛻 · ∙∙respectively.
2𝛻𝑢
𝛻𝑢
u ⃗⃗⃗These
−𝛻𝑝
𝑢 +
)= =𝜌𝐹
= −𝛻𝑝
+ −𝛻𝑝
− 2
. arep𝑢
𝜇𝛻 + 𝜇𝛻
These
for
⃗+
++𝜇𝛻µ 2
⃗𝑢
u.⃗ +
Newtonian,
𝜌𝐹are
𝑢 ++for 𝜌𝐹
ρ𝜌𝐹 ⃗ ... laminar,(1)
FNewtonian, and
laminar, and (1) (1)
(1)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 ∂t 𝜕𝑡
incompressible
incompressible
flow with flow constantwithproperties
constant properties[16,17]: [16,17]:
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
 𝜕𝑇 
𝜌𝑐𝑝𝜌((𝜕𝑢⃗ + 𝑢
⃗ 𝜌𝑐
∙ 𝛻𝑇) (
𝜕𝑢 ⃗= 𝜌𝑐
𝜌𝑐+ 𝑘𝛻 𝑢
⃗
∂T( 2 +→
∙ 𝛻𝑇)
𝑇 ++ 𝑢
𝑢
⃗ ⃗
=𝜇𝜱∙
∙ 𝛻𝑇
𝛻𝑇)
2𝑘𝛻+ 2=
𝑞𝑇
=′′′ 𝑘𝛻2 𝑇 + 𝜇𝜱
+. 𝑘𝛻
k.𝜇𝜱2 𝑇+ +𝑞µΦ′′′ + 𝑞′′′ .
𝜇𝜱 . .+ + q𝑞000 . . (2)(1) (1) (2)
(2)
𝜕𝑡 + 𝑢 ⃗ ∙𝜌𝛻𝑢 𝑝(⃗ )ρc𝜕𝑡=
+𝑢 ⃗−𝛻𝑝
𝑝 ∙ 𝛻𝑢
𝜕𝑡⃗+ +) u= 𝜇𝛻
· −𝛻𝑝T𝑢 ⃗ + +
=𝜌𝐹 𝜇𝛻 𝑢
⃗ +
T 𝜌𝐹 (2)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 p ∂t
For unsteady
Forinfinite
unsteady
For
Forone-dimensional
unsteady
infiniteinfinite
unsteady one-dimensional
infinite fluid
one-dimensional
flow with
one-dimensional fluidno flowfluid
pressure
with
fluid flow
flow no
gradient
withpressure
withno no pressure
and gradient
bodygradient
pressure force,
and body
the
gradient andforce,
body
and the
force,
body the
force,
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇 2 2 ′′′ ′′′
conservation
conservation
of momentum
conservation
of momentum
in of 𝜌𝑐𝑝 (in(1)
Equation
momentum + 𝑢
⃗𝜌𝑐∙in
Equation 𝛻𝑇)
reduces ( =
+
Equation
(1)
to 𝑢
⃗
𝑘𝛻 ∙ 𝛻𝑇)
reduces𝑇
Equation (1) + = 𝜇𝜱 𝑘𝛻
reduces
to +
(3), 𝑇𝑞 +
Equation . 𝜇𝜱
comprising
to +
Equation
(3),
𝑝 𝜕𝑡in Equation (1) reduces to Equation (3), comprising the unsteady𝑞 .
comprising
the (3),unsteady
comprising the term (2)
unsteady
the unsteady
term (2) term
the conservation of momentum 𝜕𝑡
and the viscous
and theterm.
and viscous
term theIn addition,
viscous
and the term. In
term.
inaddition,
theIn
viscousone-dimensionalabsence
addition,
term. fluid Inin the ofin
addition, absence
heat the
in the source,
absence
ofabsence
heatthe ofsource,
conservation
heat source,
the conservation
the
ofthe energy
conservationin
of energy ofofenergy
in in
For unsteady
For infinite
unsteady one-dimensional
infinite flowfluid with flow with noof
no pressure heat
gradient
pressure source,
and bodyconservation
gradient and
force,bodythe force, energy
the in
Equation (2)
Equation
reduces
Equation
(2)
to
EquationEquation
reduces
(2)
(2) reduces
to
(4).
Equation
reduces The to
to first
Equation
(4).
Equation term The on
(4).
first
(4). the
The
The term
right
first
first on side
term
the
term ofon
right
on Equation
the
the side
right
rightof
(4) side
Equation
sideis the
of
of Equation
conduction
(4)
Equation is the
(4)
(4)conduction
is
is the
the conduction
conduction
conservation
conservation
of momentum of momentum
in Equation in (1)
Equation
reduces (1)toreduces
Equation to (3),
Equationcomprising (3), comprising
the unsteady the unsteady
term term
erm. The second
term. The
term
term.
term.second
onThe
Thethesecond
term
righton side
term
theisonright
the the remnant
side
right is side
theviscous
remnant
is
is thethedissipation
remnant
viscousviscous dissipation
term, and dissipation
this
term, is the
and
term,cause
thisandis the
this
thiscause
is
is the cause
and the viscous
and the term.
viscous In second
addition,
term. In term in onthethe
addition, right
absencein the sideofabsence
heat remnant
source,
of heatthe viscous
source, dissipation
conservation
the conservation term,
of energy and
ofinenergy the
in cause
of a temperature
of a temperature
of
rise
of aa(2)
in
temperature
the rise
flow.inThe
temperature rise
the convective
rise in
flow.
in thethe The
flow.
flow. convective
termThe
Thethe inconvective
thisterm
convective caseinterm
isthis
negligible
in
casethisis caseas
negligible
theis changes
negligible
as the ofaschanges
the
the changes
of of
Equation (2)
Equation
reduces toreduces
Equation to (4).
Equation
The first
(4). termThe on first term right onside the term
right in
of Equation
sidethis
of (4) case is is
Equation thenegligible
(4) is the as
conduction conductionchanges of
term. The term.
secondThe
term
second
on the
term
right
onside
the right
is theside
remnant
is theviscous
remnantdissipation
viscous dissipation
term, and term,
this isand
the this
causeis the cause
of a temperature
of a temperature
rise in therise
flow.
in the
The flow.
convective
The convective
term in this
term
case
in is
this
negligible
case is negligible
as the changes
as theofchanges of
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 3 of 13

temperature in x-direction is insignificant in an oscillating flow (see Appendix A), hence leaving on
the left side of the heat storage term.
∂u ∂2 u
− ν 2 = 0. (3)
∂t ∂y
 2   2
∂T ∂ T ∂u
ρc p = k +µ . (4)
∂t ∂y2 ∂y
In the above equations, u is the fluid velocity driven by the bottom plate, ν is the kinematic
viscosity, ρ is the fluid density, c p is the specific heat, T is the fluid temperature, k is the thermal
conductivity of fluid, and µ is the dynamic viscosity. Solutions to Equations (3) and (4) can only be
obtained by specifying the appropriate boundary conditions. As far as the momentum equation is
concerned, the upper plate is stationary and the lower plate oscillates according to u = U sin(ωt).
For the energy equation, three cases of boundary conditions will be considered:

Case A. Symmetric boundary conditions, where both plates are kept at the same constant
temperature T1 . ( Ta = Tb = T1 )
Case B. Symmetric boundary conditions, where both plates are insulated. (Temperature
gradients zero)
Case C. Asymmetric boundary conditions, where the upper plate is insulated and the bottom plate
is kept at constant temperature T1 . ( Tb = T1 )

As this is an unsteady problem, in addition to the above, the fluid is assumed to be initially at
rest, and the fluid temperature is equal to an arbitrary initial temperature T1 within the parallel plates.
Before solving, it is more efficient to re-cast the equations into dimensionless forms, using the
following definitions:
y T − T1 µU 2 ωW 2
u∗ = u
U, y∗ = W, Pr = ν
α, T∗ = Tm − T1 , Br = k( Tm − T1 )
, t∗ = νt
W2
, and ω ∗ = υ , (5)

where u∗ is the dimensionless fluid velocity, y∗ is the dimensionless y-axis position, Pr is the
Prandtl number, which is a measure of momentum diffusion over heat diffusion in a fluid, T ∗ is
the dimensionless fluid temperature, Br is the Brinkman number consisting of viscous dissipation
effect, Tm is the mean fluid temperature, t∗ is the dimensionless time dependent term, ω ∗ is the
dimensionless angular frequency, and α is the thermal diffusivity.
The dimensionless forms of Equations (3) and (4) are:

∂u∗ ∂2 u ∗
− = 0. (6)
∂t∗ ∂y∗2
 ∗ 2
∂T ∗ ∂2 T ∗
 
∂u
Pr − ∗ 2 = Br . (7)
∂t∗ ∂y ∂y∗

Case A : u∗ (0, t∗ ) = sin(ω ∗ t∗ ), u∗ (1, t∗ ) = 0 and u∗ (y∗ , 0) = 0.

(8)
T ∗ (0, t∗ ) = 0, T ∗ (1, t∗ ) = 0 and T ∗ (y∗ , 0) = 0.
The corresponding dimensionless boundary conditions for both equations for the three cases are
as follows:
Case B : u∗ (0, t∗ ) = sin(ω ∗ t∗ ), u∗ (1, t∗ ) = 0 and u∗ (y∗ , 0) = 0.
dT ∗ ∗ dT ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
(9)
dy∗ (0, t ) = 0, dy∗ (1, t ) = 0 and T ( y , 0) = 0.

Case C : u∗ (0, t∗ ) = sin(ω ∗ t∗ ), u∗ (1, t∗ ) = 0 and u∗ (y∗ , 0) = 0.

dT ∗ ∗
(10)
dy∗ (0, t ) = 0, T ∗ (1, t∗ ) = 0 and T ∗ (y∗ , 0) = 0.
Hence, the aim of this study is to analyse the viscous dissipation effect (the effect of the Br term
in Equation (7)) towards the fluid within the parallel plates when it is subjected to the three different
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 4 of 13

thermal boundary conditions. The methodology is to solve the Equations (6) and (7) simultaneously
and numerically.

3. Results and Discussion

The model is solved numerically by the finite difference method and all computations are solved
Symmetry 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 13
using the Matlab software. Typically, the problem is first solved by the hydrodynamic and thermal
initial conditions
Hence, thestated, saystudy
aim of this those in analyse
is to Equation (8), which
the viscous yield aeffect
dissipation set of
(thevelocity
effect of and
the 𝐵𝑟temperature
term
profiles for the fluid at a specified time step. After that, the set of data obtained will
in Equation (7)) towards the fluid within the parallel plates when it is subjected to the three different then be used as
the next conditions
thermal boundary forconditions.
the next time step, and so ison.
The methodology to An
solveoptimum time (6)
the Equations discretization is desirable in a
and (7) simultaneously
and numerically.
numerical solution because a large time step gives an unpredictable numerical error while too small a
time step requires more time.
3. Results and Discussion
In the present problem, the variable parameters in the model are Br, t∗ , Pr and ω ∗ , which consist
The model
of the geometry asiswell
solved numerically
as the by the finite
fluid properties, difference
such as themethod and all computations
gap between are solved
the parallel plates, the fluid
usingdiffusivity,
thermal the Matlaband software. Typically,
the time duration theof
problem is first solved
fluid oscillation. ThebyBr
the hydrodynamic
contains and thermal
information on the fluid
initial conditions
properties stated,temperature
and the overall say those inchange,
Equationwhich
(8), which yieldpositive.
is always a set of velocity
The t∗ , and
Pr andtemperature
ω ∗ are always
profiles for the fluid at a specified ∗ time step.∗ After that, the set of data obtained will then ∗ be used as
positive too. The range for Br, t , Pr and ω in this study are 1 ≤ Br ≤ 10, 1 ≤ t ≤ 5, 0.5 ≤ Pr ≤ 5,
the next conditions for the next time step, and so on. An optimum time discretization is desirable in
and 1 ≤ ω ∗ ≤ 10. From trial computations, the optimum time step for these suggested ranges is found
a numerical∗ solution because a large time step gives an unpredictable numerical error while too small
to bea about ∆t requires
time step = 0.02. more time.

3.1. Velocity Profiles

3.1. Velocity Profiles
Since Cases
Since A to
Cases ACto have
C have the
thesame
samevelocity
velocityboundary conditions,the
boundary conditions, thefluid
fluid velocity
velocity profiles
profiles shown in
shown
Figure 2 are common
in Figure 2 are commonfor allfor
three cases.
all three Figure
cases. 2 shows
Figure 2 showsthethe
velocity
velocityprofiles
profileswithin
within the
the selected
selected time
range 1 ≤range
time 𝑡 ∗ Br
t∗ ≤ 15 . The 5 .and
ThePr 𝐵𝑟does 𝑃𝑟 affect
and not does not
theaffect the profile
velocity velocityasprofile
it doesasnot
it does not appear
appear in
in Equation (6).
Equation (6).

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure
Figure 2. Various
2. Various velocityprofiles
velocity of y𝑦∗∗ versus
profiles of ∗ ∗ ∗
versus𝑢 u∗atat(a)(a)𝜔 ω=∗ 1 =, (b)1 , 𝜔(b)=ω2.5 𝜔∗, =(c)
∗ ,=(c) 2.5 5, ω ∗ = 5,
and
∗
(d) 𝜔∗ =
and (d) ω = 10. 10.
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 5 of 13

Comparing Figure 2a–d, the time dependent velocity profiles seem to vary widely as ω ∗ increases
and bounded within the velocity range −1 ≤ u∗ ≤ 1. These profiles satisfy the boundary conditions,
where the fluid velocity at the upper plate is always zero and lower plate follows the time dependent
oscillation. The fluid inertia influences the acceleration and give rise to a velocity phase lag with
time to the fluid layers above the oscillating plate. This explains the wide variation in the profiles in
Symmetry 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 13
Figure 2a–d, which reflect the variation in the position of the moving plate at ω = 1, 2.5, 5, and 10,
influencing fluid layers above it in various degrees.
Comparing Figures 2a–d, the time dependent velocity profiles seem to vary widely as 𝜔∗
∗
increases Profiles within the velocity range −1 𝑢
and bounded
3.2. Temperature 1. These profiles satisfy the boundary
conditions, where the fluid velocity at the upper plate is always zero and lower plate follows the time
3.2.1. Caseoscillation.
dependent A The fluid inertia influences the acceleration and give rise to a velocity phase
lag with time to the fluid layers above the oscillating plate. This explains the wide variation in the
Figure 3 displays the various fluid temperature profiles when the fluid is driven by the oscillating
profiles in Figures 2a–d, which reflect the variation in the position of the moving plate at 𝜔 = 1, 2.5,
lower plate subjected to constant surface temperature as Equation (8). The temperature profiles are
5, and 10, influencing fluid layers above it in various degrees.
selected to show the effects of Br, ω ∗ , and Pr.
Figure 3a–b illustrate the effect of Brinkman number Br, at the selected time range from 1 ≤ t∗ ≤ 5.
3.2. Temperature Profiles
It is clear that Br has a significant effect on temperature rise and the maximum temperature increases
∗ ∼ ∗ ∗
with Case
3.2.1. A For instance, the maximum fluid temperature in Figure 3a is T = 0.6 at t = 5, ω = 1,
the Br.
∗ ∼ ∗ ∗
while in Figure 3b, T = 1.2 at t = 5, ω = 1. It is worth mentioning that the peak temperature
Figure
occurs 3 displays
at about 12% of the
the various
assignedfluid
Br attemperature
a constant ωprofiles when the
∗ . For example, thefluid is driven
highest by theat
temperature
oscillating
∗ ∗lower plate subjected to ∗ ∼
constant surface temperature ∗ ∼
as Equation (8). The
t = 5, ω = 1 in Figure 3a,b, is at T = 0.6, when Br = 5 and T = 1.2, when Br = 10, respectively. temperature
profiles are selected to show the effects of 𝐵𝑟, 𝜔∗ , and 𝑃𝑟.

(a) ( b)

(c) ( d)
Figure 3. Cont.
 Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 6 of 13
Symmetry 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13

(e) (f)
Figure
Figure3.3. FluidFluid
temperature profiles
temperature for both
profiles plates
for bothwith constant
plates with surface temperature
constant at (a) 𝐵𝑟 = 5,at
surface temperature
∗
ω(a) =Br1, =
𝑃𝑟 5,
= 1,
ω ∗(b)= 𝐵𝑟1, =Pr10,=ω∗1,=(b)
1, Br
𝑃𝑟 =
= 1,10,(c)ω𝐵𝑟
∗ = ∗
= 1,1, ωPr ==5, 𝑃𝑟 = 1Br(d)=Br1,=ω1,∗ ω=∗ =5,10,
1, (c) Pr 𝑃𝑟
= =1,
1,(d)
(e)Br𝐵𝑟==1, ω∗∗ ==1,10,
5, 𝜔 𝑃𝑟 Pr= 0.5 and
= 1, Br𝐵𝑟
(e)(f) = =5,5,ω𝜔∗∗ =
= 1,1,𝑃𝑟
Pr==5. 0.5 and (f) Br = 5, ω ∗ = 1, Pr = 5.

As observed
Figures in Figure the
3a–b illustrate 3c–d, the peak
effect temperature
of Brinkman number 𝐵𝑟, attothe
happens be selected
nearer totimethe lower
rangeplate
fromwhen1
∗ ∗
𝑡the 5. It is clear thatangular
dimensionless 𝐵𝑟 hasfrequency
a significant increases.
ω effect Additionally,
on temperature the
rise andmaximum
the maximumtemperature seems
temperature
to increase
increases with with
thethe
∗
𝐵𝑟.ωForasinstance,
well. For theinstance,
maximum thefluid
temperature
temperature peak
in is 3a is 𝑇 ∗ ≅ 0.6
approximately
Figure T∗ ∼ 𝑡 ∗ =at
at 1.2
=
∗
5,t 𝜔∗ =
= 11,, ω
∗
while= in5 Figurein Figure 3b, 3c𝑇 ∗and
≅ 1.2T at∼
∗ ∗
= 𝑡1.4= at
5, 𝜔
∗ ∗
t ∗ ==1 . 1,It ωis worth
= 10mentioning
in Figure 3d, respectively,
that the peak
∗
demonstrating
temperature that the
occurs at about 12 % ofdue
heat induced viscous 𝐵𝑟
thetoassigned dissipation 𝜔 . with
increases
at a constant the fluid motion.
For example, the highest
∗ same values of Br and ω ∗ . As
The effect
temperature 𝑡 ∗ Pr
at of = 5, is 𝜔 ∗
= 1 in Figures
illustrated in Figure3a3a,e,f,
and b, at 𝑇the
alliswith ≅ 0.6, when 𝐵𝑟 = 5 and 𝑇 ∗ ≅Pr 1.2,
indicates
when
𝐵𝑟
the=relative
10, respectively.
momentum diffusion versus heat diffusion, it is seen that Figure 3f with more momentum
diffusion, the temperature
As observed in Figuresare lower
3c–d, the compared to Figurehappens
peak temperature 3a which tohas equal diffusion
be nearer to the lower rates. However,
plate when
∗ increase the temperature profiles significantly.
the dimensionless angular frequency 𝜔 increases. Additionally, the maximum temperature seems
Figure 3e with greater heat diffusion does
The pattern
to increase with the 𝜔∗ as well. profiles
of temperature varies with
For instance, time becausepeak
the temperature the heat induced due to𝑇the
is approximately ∗
≅viscous
1.2 at
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
𝑡dissipation
= 1, 𝜔 = 5 is allowed
in Figure to transfer
3c and 𝑇 ≅ both
out from 1.4 plates
at 𝑡 at = constant
1, 𝜔 = 10 temperature
in Figure conditions. At a lower
3d, respectively,
rate of ω ∗ , the peak
demonstrating that thetemperature
heat inducedis moreduelikely to occur
to viscous around the
dissipation central location,
increases with the having a symmetric
fluid motion.
temperature of 𝑃𝑟about
The effectprofile the mid-plane
is illustrated in Figuresof the3a,e,f,
parallel with the same values of 𝐵𝑟 and 𝜔∗ . As 𝑃𝑟
all plates.
indicates the relative momentum diffusion versus heat diffusion, it is seen that Figure 3f with more
3.2.2. Case B
momentum diffusion, the temperature are lower compared to Figure 3a which has equal diffusion
rates. Figure
However, Figure
4 reveals the 3e with
fluid greater heat
temperature diffusion
profiles when the does increase
thermal the temperature
boundary conditions profiles
for both
significantly.
upper and lower plates are insulated, following Equation (9). This simply means that no heat is
The pattern
allowed to diffuse of out
temperature profiles
of the system. Thevaries
assignedwithvalues
time because Br, ω ∗due
the heat induced
for the parameters , Pr,toand ∗ are the
thetviscous
dissipation
same as in is theallowed
previous to transfer
case. out from both plates at constant temperature conditions. At a lower
∗
rate of At𝜔low , the peak temperature
dimensionless is more likely
angular frequency, ω ∗ =to1,occur aroundheat
the induced theiscentral
diffusedlocation, having a
evenly throughout
symmetric
the fluid, as temperature
shown in Figure profile4a–b.
aboutConsequently,
the mid-planethe of the parallel plates.
temperature increases in a form that is closer
to a vertical line as time moves on. Increase in heat induction by Br will only yield a higher rate of
3.2.2. Case B increase, provided at a constant and low ω ∗ .
temperature
As observed
Figure 4 reveals onthe ω ∗ effect
thefluid alone in profiles
temperature Figure 4c–d whenatthe constant
thermal Br,boundary
the heat induced
conditions seems to be
for both
significant ∗
with ωplates , which
upper and lower areamplify
insulated, the following
fluid momentum.EquationThe (9).fluid
Thistemperature
simply means difference
that nobetween
heat is
both plates is more obvious when ∗ increases, as in Figure 4c–d, respectively.
allowed to diffuse out of the system. The assigned values for the parameters 𝐵𝑟, 𝜔 , 𝑃𝑟, and 𝑡 ∗ are
ω ∗

the sameAs in asCase

in theA,previous of Pr is explained in Figure 4a,e,f, respectively for Pr = 0.5, 1, 5, while
the effectcase.
keeping Br = 5, ω ∗ = 1. As before, Figure 4e, with α > ν, shows a greater increase in temperature,
whereas Figure 4f, with α < ν, a lower increase in temperature.
Since the induced heat is not able to diffuse out from the parallel plates, the fluid temperature
within the parallel plates will only increase with time, more significantly than the other two cases.
 Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 7 of 13
Symmetry 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13

(a) ( b)

(c) ( d)

(e) (f)
Figure
Figure4.4.Fluid temperature
Fluid temperatureprofiles for for
profiles bothboth
plates insulated
plates at (a)at𝐵𝑟
insulated ω∗ =
(a)=Br5, = 5, 1,
ω ∗𝑃𝑟== 1, Pr 𝐵𝑟
1, (b) = =1,
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
10,
(b) ω Br ==1, 10,
𝑃𝑟 ω
=∗1 =
, (c) 𝐵𝑟 =
1, Pr = 1,1, ω
(c) =
Br5, =
𝑃𝑟 1,
= 1ω ∗ (d)
= Br = 1,=ω 1,=(d)
5, Pr 10,Br𝑃𝑟== 1,
1 ,ω ∗(e)= 𝐵𝑟
10,= Pr
5, 𝜔= =1,
∗
1,(e)𝑃𝑟Br= =
0.5,5,and∗ = 𝐵𝑟
ω (f) 1, =
Pr5,= = 1,and
𝜔 0.5, 𝑃𝑟 (f)
= 5. ∗
Br = 5, ω = 1, Pr = 5.

3.2.3.
AtCase
lowC dimensionless angular frequency, 𝜔∗ = 1 , the induced heat is diffused evenly
throughout
Figurethe fluid, as
5 shows sixshown in Figures 4a–b.
fluid temperature Consequently,
profile the temperature
variations with increases
the parameters Br, ωin∗ aand
form
Pr.
that
Theisselected
closer totime
a vertical
range line as time
is again 1 ≤moves
∗
t ≤ 5.on.The
Increase in heat
thermal induction
boundary by 𝐵𝑟 will
conditions onlymodel
for this yield ais
higher rate of where
asymmetric, temperature increase,
the upper provided
plate is at to
subjected a constant
constant and 𝜔∗ .
lowtemperature
surface while the lower plate
∗
As observed
is insulated, as per the 𝜔 effect
onEquation (10).alone in Figures 4c–d at constant 𝐵𝑟, the heat induced seems to be
significant with 𝜔∗ , which amplify the fluid momentum. The fluid temperature difference between
both plates is more obvious when 𝜔∗ increases, as in Figures 4c–d, respectively.
3.2.3. Case C
Figure 5 shows six fluid temperature profile variations with the parameters 𝐵𝑟, 𝜔∗ and 𝑃𝑟. The
selected time range is again 1 𝑡 ∗ 5 . The thermal boundary conditions for this model is
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 8 of 13
asymmetric, where the upper plate is subjected to constant surface temperature while the lower plate
is insulated, as per Equation (10).

(a) ( b)

(c) ( d)

(e) (f)
Figure 5. Fluid temperature profiles for upper plate with constant surface temperature and lower
plate insulated when at (a) Br = 5, ω ∗ = 1, Pr = 1, (b) Br = 10, ω ∗ = 1, Pr = 1,
(c) Br = 1, ω ∗ = 5, Pr = 1, (d) Br = 1, ω ∗ = 10, Pr = 1, (e) Br = 5, ω ∗ = 1, Pr = 0.5,
and (f) Br = 5, ω ∗ = 1, Pr = 5.

Figure 5a–b reveal the temperature pattern at the same dimensionless angular frequency, ω ∗ = 1.
By analysing the Br variation, it is worth noting that the overall temperature profiles have similar
curvatures to each other but increases in T ∗ for all t∗ . Figure 5a–b reflect that the peak temperature
occurs at t∗ = 5 and ω ∗ = 1, where T ∗ ∼ = 2.25 when Br = 5 and T ∗ ∼ = 4.5 when Br = 10,
respectively. Thus, the peak temperature of T is about 45% of the arbitrary Br value at low ω ∗ .
∗
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 9 of 13

It is understandable that the fluid temperature near the lower plate is much higher compared to
Case A, as a result of the insulated thermal boundary condition. The heat induced is accumulated
closer to the lower plate and the only way is to diffuse upwards through the upper boundary, where
heat is allowed to leave by heat conduction through the upper plate.
Figure 5c–d illustrate the variation of ω ∗ at a constant Br. It shows the increase in ω ∗ consequently
increase the fluid temperature due to the heat induced by the fluid motion. From these two figures, it is
noteworthy that the range of temperature variation is narrower and the temperature curvature pattern
seems to become more linear as ω ∗ increases. When the Br and ω ∗ are fixed as a constant, as per
Figure 5a,e,f, the Pr are effecting on the rate of heat diffused out from the plates just like previous cases.

3.3. Comparison with Synovial Fluid Motion

Since no experimental result is found, this section intends to apply these developed models to
predict and compare with reported experimental rise in temperature in the synovial fluid motion.
The rise in hip joint temperature due to motion is crucial since the critical temperature before bone
necrosis happens is at 47 ◦ C [18].
The geometry and properties for the synovial fluid in artificial hip joint are taken as in the
following: The joint gap is 50 µm [19], the dynamic viscosity is 10 mPa·s [19], the average sliding
velocity is 0.06 m/s [20], the average angular frequency is 1 rad/s [21], the thermal conductivity is
0.62 W/m·K [22], the specific heat is 3900 J/kg·K [22], the fluid density is 1650 kg/m3 [23], the body
temperature is 37 ◦ C [24], and the net mean fluid temperature is 5.5 ◦ C [24], respectively. Utilising these
gathered available information, the calculated values for Brinkman number and Prandtl number are
1.0557 × 10−5 and 62.9, respectively. The simulated outcome is set at a 60 minutes duration, as to be
same with the duration recorded by the reported experiment, for comparison purpose.
The temperature field induced in Case A and Case C are insignificant, with a temperature rise
much lower than 1 ◦ C, and thus will not be discussed further.
However, in Case B, the temperature rise is approximately T = 4.02 ◦ C at 60 min mark, as
shown in Figure 6. It is noteworthy that the literatures reported experimental temperature rise,
after the same period, in the ranges 2 ◦ C–8 ◦ C and 3 ◦ C–14 ◦ C, depending on in-vivo and in-vitro
conditions, respectively [24–26]. The simulation results are somewhat able to match remarkably well
Symmetry
with 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW
the literature. 10 of 13

Figure 6. The temperature rise for synovial fluid due to the viscous dissipation at 6 selected times.
Figure 6. The temperature rise for synovial fluid due to the viscous dissipation at 6 selected times.
Thus, the developed model in Case B seems capable to predict the temperature field induced
withinThus,
the joint
the at a small oscillatory
developed model in flow,
Case as compared
B seems to the
capable toother twothe
predict cases.
temperature field induced
within the joint at a small oscillatory flow, as compared to the other two cases.

4. Conclusions
In this study on heat induced by viscous dissipation caused by an oscillating microchannel fluid
flow that is laminar, unsteady, constant properties, and Newtonian, the governing equations are
solved numerically for the same unsteady hydrodynamic conditions, but three different cases of
thermal boundary conditions. They are parallel plates with both sides subjected to constant surface
temperature, both sides insulated and the third case with upper side subject to constant surface
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 10 of 13

4. Conclusions
In this study on heat induced by viscous dissipation caused by an oscillating microchannel
fluid flow that is laminar, unsteady, constant properties, and Newtonian, the governing equations
are solved numerically for the same unsteady hydrodynamic conditions, but three different cases of
thermal boundary conditions. They are parallel plates with both sides subjected to constant surface
temperature, both sides insulated and the third case with upper side subject to constant surface
temperature and lower oscillating side insulated.
Concern has been focused on the internal heat induced by the viscous dissipation term in the
energy equation. Parametric studies are done on the effects of ω ∗ , Br, and Pr. The fluid momentum is
shown to be strongly dependent on ω ∗ and not affected by the Br and Pr. However, the heat induced is
strongly depending on the Br and Pr, while depending on ω ∗ as well. The temperature field increases
with increasing Br and decreasing Pr, when Pr < 1.
Table 1 summarises these effects in the present study. The Br plays a central role in the induced
heat. The Pr is also important, especially when its value is less than unity, more so in Case B, where
both plates are insulated.

Table 1. The effects of the parameters ω ∗ , Br and Pr on fluid momentum and heat induction on the
present three cases.

Transport Quantity Parameters Effects

ω∗ Strongly dependent
Fluid momentum (velocity) Br Independent
Pr Independent
ω∗ Dependent
Induced heat (temperature) Br Strongly dependent
Pr Strongly dependent

Since the synovial fluid motion within the artificial hip implants is subjected to a small oscillation
motion and constant human body temperature, it is applied to these 3 present cases and compared
to the experimental literature. It is noteworthy that the heat induced in Case B concurs remarkably
with the literature. The present results will also be useful for verification when analytical solutions are
available, since the three cases represent standard thermal boundary conditions in the discipline.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization: (C.K.K.), (C.P.T.) and (G.M.C.); Methodology: (C.P.T.); Software:
(C.H.H.) and (G.M.C.); Validation: (C.P.T.) and (C.H.H.); Formal Analysis: (C.P.T.), (C.H.H.), (G.M.C.), and
(C.K.K.); Resources: (C.P.T.) and (G.M.C.); Data Curation: (C.H.H.); Writing: (C.P.T.) and (C.H.H.); Supervision:
(C.P.T.), (G.M.C.) and (C.K.K.); Project Administration: (C.P.T.) and (G.M.C.); Funding Acquisition: (C.P.T.).
Funding: This research is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, under grant
FRGS/1/2016/TK03/MMU/01/1.
Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support by the Ministry of Higher Education,
Malaysia, under grant FRGS/1/2016/TK03/MMU/01/1.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 11 of 13

Nomenclature
Br Brinkman number defined in Equation (5)
cp Specific heat (J/kg·K)
k Thermal conductivity of fluid (W/m·K)
Re Reynold number defined as Re = UW υ
Pe Peclet number defined in Equation (A1)
Pr Prandtl number defined in Equation (5)
Heat source W/m3


q000
T Fluid temperature (◦ C)
T ∗ Dimensionless fluid temperature defined in Equation (5)
T1 Specified plate temperature (◦ C)
Ta Top plate temperature (◦ C)
Tb Bottom plate temperature (◦ C)
Tm Mean fluid temperature (◦ C)
t Time (s)
t∗ Dimensionless time defined in Equation (5)
U Maximum velocity magnitude at lower plate (m/s)
u Velocity component in the x-direction (m/s)
u∗ Dimensionless velocity component in the x-direction defined in Equation (5)
W Distance between parallel surfaces (m)
x Distance along x-axis (m)
x∗ Dimensionless distance along x-axis defined in Equation (A1)
y Distance along y-axis (m)
y∗ Dimensionless distance along y-axis defined in Equation (5)
Greek Letters
Thermal diffusivity m2 /s


α
Viscous dissipation function 1/s2


Φ
µ Dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)
Density kg/m3


ρ
Kinematic viscosity m2 /s


ν
ω Angular frequency (rad/s)
ω∗ Dimensionless parameter defined in Equation (5)

Appendix A. Justification of Neglecting The Convective Term

The relevant convection term missing on the left side of Equation (4) is ρc p u ∂T
∂x . After re-casting
 ∗
into the dimensionless form as in Equation (7), the term becomes Pe u∗ ∂x∗ , where Pe is the Peclet
∂T

number and x ∗ is the dimensionless distance along x-axis, defined respectively, as

x
Pe = Re· Pr, x ∗ = . (A1)
W
A minute characteristic length W in the microchannel implies a low Re, and consequently, a low
Pe, justifying neglecting the convective term in the governing energy equation in this study. Therefore,
any temperature increase can be regarded as an increase at a point, depending only on the y-position.

Appendix B. Numerical Method of Solution

This problem is solved numerically. The conservation of momentum and energy in
Equations (6) and (7), assuming constant properties for this model, is reformulated as a system of first
order equations as in Equations (A2) to (A5), respectively. Since it is a boundary value problem, initial
guesses for the slopes of the dependent variables are required. Numerical integration is carried out
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 12 of 13

from y∗ = 0 to y∗ = 1 by employing Runge-Kutta fourth order scheme until the solutions satisfy the
transformed boundary conditions.
∂u∗ (i )
= u ∗ ( i + 1). (A2)
∂y∗
∂u∗ (i + 1) u∗ (i ) − u∗ (ini )
= . (A3)
∂y∗ t
 ∗ 
∂u (i + 2)
= u ∗ ( i + 3). (A4)
∂y∗

∂u (i + 1) 2
 ∗
u∗ (i + 2) − t∗ (ini )
  ∗ 
∂u (i + 3)
= Pr − Br . (A5)
∂y∗ t ∂y∗
The boundary conditions and the initial condition for the first order equations followed
accordingly to the cases stated in Equations (8), (9) and (10), respectively.

References
1. Aydın, O.; Avcı, M. Laminar forced convection with viscous dissipation in a couette–poiseuille flow between
parallel plates. Appl. Energy 2006, 83, 856–867. [CrossRef]
2. Chan, Y.H.; Chen, G.M.; Tso, C.P. Effect of asymmetric boundary conditions on couette–poiseuille flow of
power-law fluid. J. Thermophys. Heat Transf. 2015, 29, 496–503. [CrossRef]
3. Sheela-Francisca, J.; Tso, C.P. Viscous dissipation effects on parallel plates with constant heat flux boundary
conditions. Int. Commun. Heat Mass Transf. 2009, 36, 249–254. [CrossRef]
4. Tso, C.P.; Sheela-Francisca, J.; Hung, Y.M. Viscous dissipation effects of power-law fluid flow within parallel
plates with constant heat fluxes. J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 2010, 165, 625–630. [CrossRef]
5. Tso, C.P.; Mahulikar, S.P. The use of the brinkman number for single phase forced convective heat transfer in
microchannels. Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 1998, 41, 1759–1769. [CrossRef]
6. Koo, J.; Kleinstreuer, C. Viscous dissipation effects in microtubes and microchannels. Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer
2004, 47, 3159–3169. [CrossRef]
7. Aydın, O.; Avcı, M. Viscous dissipation effects on the heat transfer in a poiseuille flow. Appl. Energy 2006, 83,
495–512. [CrossRef]
8. Aydin, O. Effects of viscous dissipation on the heat transfer in a forced pipe flow. Part 2: Thermally
developing flow. Energy Convers. Manag. 2005, 46, 3091–3102. [CrossRef]
9. Aydin, O. Effects of viscous dissipation on the heat transfer in forced pipe flow. Part 1: Both
hydrodynamically and thermally fully developed flow. Energy Convers. Manag. 2005, 46, 757–769. [CrossRef]
10. Ou, J.W.; Cheng, K.C. Viscous dissipation effects on thermal entrance region heat transfer in pipes with
uniform wall heat flux. Appl. Sci. Res. 1973, 28, 289–301. [CrossRef]
11. Ou, J.W.; Cheng, K.C. Effects of pressure work and viscous dissipation on graetz problem for gas flows in
parallel-plate channels. Heat Mass Transfer 1973, 6, 191–198. [CrossRef]
12. White, F.M. Viscous Fluid Flow, 2nd ed.; McGraw-Hill: New York, NY, USA, 1991.
13. Berker, R. Integration Des équations Du Mouvement D’un Fluide Visqueux Incompressible. Handbuch der Physik,
Bd VIII 2, Encyclopedia of Physics; Springer-Verlag: Berlin, Germany, 1963.
14. Rayleigh, L. On the motion of solid bodies through viscous liquid. Philos. Mag. Ser. 6 1911, 21, 697–711.
[CrossRef]
15. Schlichting, H. Boundary-Layer Theory, 6th ed.; McGraw-Hill: New York, NY, USA, 1968.
16. Bejan, A.; Kraus, A.D. Heat Transfer Handbook; John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2003.
17. Rohsenow, W.M.; Hartnett, J.P.; Cho, Y.I. (Eds.) Handbook of Heat Transfer, 2nd ed.; McGraw-Hill: New York,
NY, USA.
18. Gronkiewicz, K.; Majewski, P.; Wisniewska, G.; Pihut, M.; Loster, B.W.; Majewski, S. Experimental research
on the possibilities of maintaining thermal conditions within the limits of the physiological conditions during
intraoral preparation of dental implants. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 2009, 60, 123–127. [PubMed]
19. Lu, X.; Meng, Q.; Wang, J.; Jin, Z. Transient viscoelastic lubrication analyses of UHMWPE hip replacements.
Tribol. Int. 2018, 128, 271–278. [CrossRef]
Symmetry 2018, 10, 499 13 of 13

20. Damm, P.; Dymke, J.; Ackermann, R.; Bender, A.; Graichen, F.; Halder, A.; Beier, A.; Bergmann, G. Friction in
total hip joint prosthesis measured in vivo during walking. PLoS ONE 2013. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
21. Mattei, L.; Di Puccio, F.; Piccigallo, B.; Ciulli, E. Lubrication and wear modelling of artificial hip joints:
A Review. Tribol. Int. 2011, 44, 532–549. [CrossRef]
22. Moghadam, M.N.; Abdel-Sayed, P.; Camine, V.M.; Pioletti, D.P. Impact of synovial fluid flow on temperature
regulation in knee cartilage. J. Biomech. 2015, 48, 370–374. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
23. Scher, I.; Hamerman, D. Isolation of human synovial-fluid hyaluronate by density-gradient
ultracentrifugation and evaluation of its protein content. Biochem. J. 1972, 126, 1073–1080. [CrossRef]
[PubMed]
24. Pritchett, J. Heat generated by hip resurfacing prostheses: An In vivo pilot study. J. Long-Term Effects Med.
Implants 2011, 21, 55–62. [CrossRef]
25. Uddin, M.S.; Majewski, P. Frictional heating in hip implants-A Review. Procedia Eng. 2013, 56, 725–730.
[CrossRef]
26. Bergmann, G.; Graichen, F.; Rohlmann, A.; Verdonschot, N.; Van Lenthe, G.H. Frictional heating of total hip
implants, Part 1: Measurements in patients. J. Biomech. 2001, 34, 421–428. [CrossRef]

© 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).