TODAY! Mathematics Colloquium by Dr. Ebru Demir, Lehigh University: Squirming Through Biological Fluids

Friday, Feb 3, 2023, 2:00 PM
Science Complex 2323

Dr. Ebru Demir, Assistant Professor of Engineering at Lehigh University, will present a colloquium lecture on Squirming Through Biological Fluids.

Abstract: Bioinspired artificial microswimmers are promising candidates to realize coveted biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. However, swimming at small scales is a challenge onto itself, as the physics of locomotion is different due to the dominance of viscous force over inertial force at small scales. Furthermore, in their biomedical applications, these microswimmers often encounter biological fluids such as blood and mucus, which are complex fluids with non-Newtonian rheological behaviors. A fundamental understanding of how complex rheology of biological fluids affect propulsion performance is therefore crucial in the development of artificial microswimmers for biomedical applications and requires an interdisciplinary approach. In this talk, I will discuss the effects of geometry and fluid rheology on the swimming characteristics of a special type of microswimmers called ‘squirmers’, and how we, as a group of researchers approach this problem using numerical simulations combined with analytical methods to elucidate the physical principles underlying squirmer locomotion in Newtonian and complex fluids. I will also discuss other outstanding issues in the emerging field of microswimmers and plans to tackle these challenges with tools across different disciplines.

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This post was written by Charles, Amanda G.