On the Flow of a Non-Newtonian Liquid Induced by Intestine-Like Contractions

Abstract

This paper considers the flow of an inelastic liquid which is generated by contractions like those of the intestine. Unlike regular peristaltic motion, these contractions occur locally over a finite length and have a finite amplitude. We adopt a contraction model due to Macagno and Christensen and repeat their analysis for an inelastic liquid. Our analysis, which is based on a Boundary Element Method, indicates that the net flow rate depends very weakly on the power-law index. The pumping action is therefore similar to that of a positive displacement pump.