Numerical simulation of non-isothermal viscoelastic flows at high Weissenberg numbers using a finite volume method on general unstructured meshes

In this numerical study, an original approach to simulate non-isothermal viscoelastic fluid flows at high Weissenberg numbers is presented. Stable computations over a wide range of Weissenberg numbers are assured by using the root conformation approach in a finite volume framework on general unstructured meshes. The numerical stabilization framework is extended to consider thermo-rheological properties in Oldroyd-B type viscoelastic fluids. The temperature dependence of the viscoelastic fluid is modeled with the time–temperature superposition principle. Both Arrhenius and WLF shift factors can be chosen, depending on the flow characteristics. The internal energy balance takes into account both energy and entropy elasticity. Partitioning is achieved by a constant split factor. An analytical solution of the balance equations in planar channel flow is derived to verify the results of the main field variables and to estimate the numerical error. The more complex entry flow of a polyisobutylene-based polymer solution in an axisymmetric 4:1 contraction is studied and compared to experimental data from the literature. We demonstrate the stability of the method in the experimentally relevant range of high Weissenberg numbers. The results at different imposed wall temperatures, as well as Weissenberg numbers, are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. •Simulation of non-isothermal viscoelastic flows in an axisymmetric 4:1 contraction.•Validation of the thermo-rheological model by experimental measurements.•Stable solutions at higher Weissenberg numbers, using the root conformation approach.•Energy elasticity depends on the Weissenberg number and the wall temperature.•Variation of the rheological model between Oldroyd-B and PTT.