Non-linear peristaltic flow of a fourth grade fluid in an inclined asymmetric channel

This paper is devoted to the study of peristaltic transport of a fourth grade fluid in an inclined asymmetric channel under the consideration of long wavelength. The wavelength of the peristaltic waves is assumed to be large compared to the varying channel width, whereas the wave amplitudes need not be small compared to the varying channel width. The channel asymmetry is produced by choosing the peristaltic wave train on the walls to have different amplitudes and phase. The flow is investigated in a wave frame of reference moving with velocity of the wave. The effects of Deborah number, phase difference, varying channel width, wave amplitudes, Froud number and inclined angle on the pumping characteristics, streamline pattern and trapping phenomena are investigated. It is observed that the trapping regions increase as the channel becomes more and more symmetric and the trapped bolus volume decreases for increasing Deborah number, phase difference and Froud number whereas it increases for increasing inclined angle. Furthermore, the obtained results indicate that the maximum pressure rise is increased in case of non-Newtonian fluid when compared with Newtonian fluid. Several graphs of physical interest are displayed and discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.