A study of peristaltic flow

Peristaltic flow in two-dimensional channels with sinusoidal waves is analysed. Under the assumption of creeping motion, the problem is formulated using the boundary integral method for Stokes flow. The effect of channel width, wave amplitude, phase shift, and mean pressure gradient on the streamline pattern and the properties of the flow is considered. The results are discussed with reference to various physiological and engineering processes. It is suggested that under the quasi-steady approximation, peristaltic flow with a varying mean pressure gradient offers an efficient method for molecular-convective transport.