Peristaltic transport of viscoelastic bio-fluids with fractional derivative models

Abstract

Peristaltic flow of viscoelastic fluid through a uniform channel is considered under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The fractional Oldroyd-B constitutive viscoelastic law is employed. Based on models for peristaltic viscoelastic flows given in a series of papers by Tripathi et al. (e.g. Appl Math Comput. 215 (2010) 3645–3654; Math Biosci. 233 (2011) 90–97) we present a detailed analytical and numerical study of the evolution in time of the pressure gradient across one wavelength. An analytical expression for the pressure gradient is obtained in terms of Mittag-Leffler functions and its behavior is analyzed. For numerical computation the fractional Adams method is used. The influence of the different material parameters is discussed, as well as constraints on the parameters under which the model is physically meaningful