Point torque representations of ciliary flows

Abstract

Ciliary flows are generated by a vast array of eukaryotic organisms, from unicellular algae to mammals, and occur in a range of different geometrical configurations. We employ a point torque - or "rotlet"- model to capture the time-averaged ciliary flow above a planar rigid wall. We demonstrate the advantages (i.e., accuracy and computational efficiency) of using this, arguably simpler, approach compared to other singularity-based models in Stokes flows. Then, to model ciliary flows in confined spaces, we extend the point torque solution to a bounded domain between two plane parallel no-slip walls. The flow field is resolved using the method of images and Fourier transforms, and we analyze t..