Peristaltically driven channel flows with applications toward micromixing

Abstract

Flows driven by a transverse, small amplitude traveling wave propagating along the boundary of a closed rectangular container are examined. High-frequency motions are the primary focus of interest, although low-frequency results are discussed also. Using asymptotic analysis appropriate for high frequencies, the steady, time-independent (streaming) flow is computed analytically and compared with results of the exact calculation. The boundary-layer structure is delineated and average Eulerian and Lagrangian flow characteristics are compared. Experiments confirming the major qualitative high-frequency findings are reported in an Appendix. The results could be useful for modeling peristaltically operated microelectromechanical systems devices where fluid motion needs to be produced without internal moving mechanical components.