The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of finite element formulation and element type on the accuracy of 3D modeling of generalized Newtonian fluid flow in complex domains. Computer models based on three finite element solution schemes (mixed, continuous, and discrete penalty), and two element types (hexahedral and tetrahedral) in a 3D framework were developed. The well-known Carreau model was used to reflect the theological behavior of the fluid. To determine the validity of the developed computer simulations, the flow of two high-density polyethylene (HDPE) melts with different viscosities through an extrusion die was simulated and compared with experimentally measured data. Comparison showed that the three methods produced nearly the same results with the hexahedral elements. However, continuous penalty method using tetrahedral elements demonstrated an extreme discrepancy from the experimental data. Discrete penalty method was unable to predict secondary variable (pressure) accurately using tetrahedral elements. The best results were obtained by the use of mixed method in conjunction with tetrahedral elements. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 1607-1615, 2011