On the propulsion of micropolar fluid inside a channel due to ciliary induced metachronal wave

Abstract

A theoretical model is suggested to examine the consequences of ciliary activity on the propulsion of micropolar fluid through a two-dimensional channel. The inner walls of the channel are carpeted with cilia such that their coordinated beatings produce a metachronal wave. Long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations are implemented to obtain the exact solutions of the governing differential equations. Special attention is given to investigate the pumping and the trapping characteristics of the micropolar fluid due to ciliary metachronism. The motivation of this study is to understand the mechanisms underlying the transport of human semen through ductuli efferentes. This investigation indicates that the micropolar fluid may describe the behavior of seminal material more realistically as compared to the Newtonian fluid.