Couple-stress fluid flow through a varying gap channel

Abstract

The flow of a couple-stress fluid through a channel of varying gap is studied analytically. Three different varying-gap channels are considered and analytical solution is obtained for the velocity and pressure distributions. The solution is applied to a smooth-constriction channel. The effect of fluid-suspensions on the resistance to flow and the shear stress is clearly brought out. The results of the study have possible biomechanical applications, both corporeal and extra-corporeal