Entropy optimization of a FENE-P viscoelastic model: a numerically guided comprehensive analysis

Abstract

The influence of polymers on entropy generation processes is substantial, particularly in the fields of fluid dynamics and rheology. The FENE-P (Finitely Extensible Nonlinear Elastic-Peterlin) model describes the polymer’s dynamics as a result of the interaction between the stretching caused by the velocity gradient and the elastic force that restores the polymer to its equilibrium position. Models such as FENE-P aid in understanding and predicting polymer flow behaviour allowing for the reduction of entropy generation by optimizing system designs. A continuum approach is employed to express the heat flux vector and polymer confirmation tensor of the model. The study investigates the complex relationship between polymer conformation, flow dynamics, and heat transfer taking into account the thermophoresis (Soret effect) and mass diffusion-thermal diffusion coupling (Dufour effect) phenomena to optimize processes by reducing entropy. This study illuminates polymer’s significance in entropy minimization, improving engineering design methodologies and applications in materials science, chemical engineering, and fluid dynamics. As result, the presence of polymers leads to a substantial decrease in the total entropy of the system. This understanding provides opportunities for enhancing heat transfer systems, thereby facilitating the development of more efficient and sustainable technology.