Course content
Introduction to Biological Flows and Evolution
- Contrast the broad range of flows found in nature and the human body
- Discuss basics of evolutionary theory and allometry
Differential Relations for Fluid Flow
- Derive and manipulate the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow
- Understand/contrast the physical meaning of each term in the Navier-Stokes equation
Dimensional Analysis
- Write the Navier-Stokes equation in dimensionless form
- Recall relevant dimensional groups and how they are derived from the Navier-Stokes equation
Cellular Motility and Bio-Propulsion
- Derive equations for Stokes flow
- Understand and predict fluid physics at small scales
- Contrast Stokes flow with inertial flows such as wakes and jets at higher Reynolds numbers
Steady Internal Flow
- Recall theory associated with steady, rigid-walled pipe flow over a range of Reynolds numbers
- Derive exact solutions to classic pipe flow problems in laminar conditions
- Manipulate empirical expressions for transitional and turbulent pipe flow
- Describe the process of transition to turbulence
- Discuss the characteristics of non-Newtonian fluids like blood
Pulsatile Internal Flow
- Describe the meaning of the Womersley number and its associated solution to the unsteady Navier-Stokes equation
- Describe the time-varying flow profile for pulsatile flow through a pipe over a range of Reynolds numbers
- Appreciate the complexity of arterial wall compliance, curvature, hematocrit, etc. on blood flow
- Describe strategies towards the modeling of these above effects
Flow in Complex Physiological Systems
- Describe the cardiac and respiratory systems in terms of pressure and velocity waveforms
- Discuss how patient-specific geometries and disease affect normal function of these systems
Introduction to Experimental Fluid Dynamics
- Outline a brief history of experimental techniques used in biological fluid dynamics research and their most recent advances/challenges
- Describe the use of advanced imaging techniques for in vivo and in vitro conditions
