Mixing and pumping by pairs of helices in a viscous fluid

Here, we study the fluid dynamics of a pair of rigid helices rotating at a constant velocity, tethered at their bases, in a viscous fluid. Our computations use a regularized Stokeslet framework, both with and without a bounding plane, so we are able to discern precisely what flow features are unacco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review. E Vol. 97; no. 2-1; p. 023101
Main Authors Buchmann, Amy, Fauci, Lisa J, Leiderman, Karin, Strawbridge, Eva, Zhao, Longhua
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.2018
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Summary:Here, we study the fluid dynamics of a pair of rigid helices rotating at a constant velocity, tethered at their bases, in a viscous fluid. Our computations use a regularized Stokeslet framework, both with and without a bounding plane, so we are able to discern precisely what flow features are unaccounted for in studies that ignore the surface from which the helices emanate. We examine how the spacing and phase difference between identical rotating helices affects their pumping ability, axial thrust, and power requirements. We also find that optimal mixing of the fluid around two helices is achieved when they rotate in opposite phase, and that the mixing is enhanced as the distance between the helices decreases.
ISSN:2470-0053
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.97.023101