Interaction Of Elastic Biological Structures With Complex Fluids

Abstract

The biofluid dynamics of reproduction provide wonderful examples of fluid-structure interactions. Peristaltic pumping by wave-like muscular contractions is a fundamental mechanism for ovum transport in the oviduct and uterus. While peristaltic pumping of a Newtonian fluid is well understood, in many important applications the fluids have non-Newtonian responses. Similarly, mammalian spermatozoa encounter complex, non-Newtonian fluid environments as they make their way through the female reproductive tract. The beat form realized by the flagellum varies tremendously along this journey. We will present recent progress on the development of computational models of pumping and swimming in a complex fluid. An immersed boundary framework is used, with the complex fluid represented either by a continuum Oldroyd-B model, or a Newtonian fluid overlaid with discrete viscoelastic elements.