Enhanced Pumping of Blood Flow in Peristaltic Transport of Non-Newtonian Fluids

This study investigates the peristaltic transport of a non-Newtonian Prandtl fluid in a vertical tube, with particular focus on its physiological relevance to blood flow in the human circulatory system. Blood is modelled as a Prandtl fluid to account for its non-Newtonian behaviour, and key parameters such as pressure gradient, Womersley number, and amplitude ratio are analysed for their impact on velocity profiles and flow rates. Using the regular perturbation technique, analytical expressions for axial velocity and pressure gradient are derived for small Prandtl numbers, and the results are visualized graphically. The findings reveal enhanced pumping efficiency of non-Newtonian fluids compared to Newtonian fluids, demonstrating the significant role of peristalsis in facilitating blood flow in small vessels. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of cardiovascular flow dynamics and provide a basis for advancing biomedical applications, such as the design of medical devices and therapeutic interventions.