Flow of fluids with microstructure between parallel plates—I

The basic equations for fluids with microstructure are applied to the steady flow between two parallel plates under the action of a constant pressure gradient. The flow is governed by a microstructure parameter α*. The classical flow is recovered when α* → ∞, while maximum effects of microstructure correspond to α* → 0. For a Poiseuille flow, the microstructure fluid exhibits resistance to motion greater than or equal to that of the classical flow. For a Couette flow it is shown that for a given applied velocity to the moving plate, the shearing stress at the plate is greater than or equal to that corresponding to the classical flow situation. For a Generalised Couette flow, it is shown that for a given pressure gradient in the direction of flow, the flow is retarded; while for an adverse pressure gradient the back flow is controlled.