Abstract
A semi-analytical solution of the thermal entrance problem with constant wall temperature for channel flow of Maxwell type viscoelastic fluids and Newtonian fluids, both with pressure dependent viscosity, is derived. A Fourier-Gauss pseudo-spectral scheme is developed and used to solve the variable coefficient parabolic partial differential energy equation. The dependence of the Nusselt number and the bulk temperature on the pressure coefficient is investigated for the Newtonian case including viscous dissipation. These effects are found to be closely interactive. The effect of the Weissenberg number on the local Nusselt number is explored for the Maxwell fluid with pressure-dependent viscosity. Local Nusselt number decreases with increasing pressure coefficient for both fluids. The local Nusselt number Nu for Newtonian fluid with pressure-dependent viscosity is always greater than Nu related to the viscoelastic Maxwell fluid with pressure-dependent viscosity.