Spring-network-based model of a red blood cell for simulating mesoscopic blood flow

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Hematology

Background:

• Understanding red blood cell (RBC) behavior is crucial for diagnosing and treating blood flow disorders.
• Existing models often lack the ability to capture the complex dynamics of RBCs in shear flows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust mechanical model of a red blood cell (RBC).
• To simulate characteristic RBC behaviors in various shear flow conditions.
• To validate the model against experimental data and demonstrate its utility in blood flow analysis.

Main Methods:

• Modeled RBC as a closed shell membrane using spring networks and the energy minimum concept.
• Applied fluid forces based on Newton's viscosity law and conservation of momentum.
• Simulated RBCs in steady/unsteady shear flows (Couette) and Poiseuille flow.

Main Results:

• The RBC model exhibited tumbling and tank-treading behaviors, with a transition at 20 s⁻¹.
• Simulations in Couette flow showed deformation parameters consistent with experimental results.
• RBCs migrated radially towards the flow axis in Poiseuille flow, with migration rate dependent on media viscosity.

Conclusions:

• The proposed mechanical model accurately captures essential red blood cell (RBC) behaviors in shear flows.
• The model's consistency with experimental data validates its application in simulating blood flow.
• The model demonstrates capability for mesoscopic analysis of blood flow dynamics.