Pressure-Flow Characteristics During Peristaltic Transport of Non-Newtonian Fluid in Distensible Tube With Different Wave Forms
This study analyzes the pressure-flow characteristics during the peristaltic pumping of power law fluids in an axi-symmetric non-uniform distensible tube. The analyzed geometry is of a diverging shape that is common in several biological flow conduits, especially in mammals. Using the Fourier series, the dimensionless wall coordinates for sinusoidal, triangular, trapezoidal, and square wave forms are obtained to simulate wall movement. Equations expressing the pressure-flow rate relationship for different wall shapes are developed from the wave equation. Pressure-flow and velocity plots are obtained by solving the equations numerically. The results indicate that there is significant difference in pressure-flow relationship between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid. Also, the maximum flow rate can be achieved when the wall movement follows a square wave form.