Modeling of multicomponent three-dimensional vesicles

Abstract

In many interfacial flow systems, variations of surface properties lead to novel and interesting behaviors. In this work a three-dimensional model of flow dynamics for multicomponent vesicles is presented. The surface composition is modeled using a two-phase surface Cahn–Hilliard system, while the interface is captured using a level set jet scheme. The interface is coupled to the surrounding fluid via a variation of energy approach. Sample energies considered include the total bending, surface tension, and phase segregation energy. The fully coupled system for surface inhomogeneities, and thus varying interface material properties is presented, as are the associated numerical methods. Numerical convergence and sample results demonstrate the validity of the model.