Time-dependent peristaltic analysis in a curved conduit: Application to chyme movement through intestine

A theoretical model of time-dependent peristaltic viscous fluid flow through a curved channel in the presence of an applied magnetic field is investigated. The results for stream function, pressure distribution and mechanical efficiency are obtained under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. Pressure fluctuations due to an integral and a non-integral number of waves along the channel length are discussed under influence of channel curvature and magnetic parameter. Two inherent characteristics of peristaltic flow regimes (trapping and reflux) are discussed numerically. The mechanical efficiency of curved magnetohydrodynamic peristaltic pumping is also examined. The magnitude of pressure increases with an increasing channel curvature and magnetic parameter. Reflex phenomenon is analyzed in the Lagrangian frame of reference. It is observed that reflex in the curved channel is higher than in the straight channel. The trapped fluid in a curved channel is studied in the Eulerian frame of reference and it contains two asymmetric boluses. The size of the lower bolus grows and the upper bolus decreases with increasing effect of magnetic strength. Pumping efficiency of the peristaltic pump is low for curved channel flow than for straight channel flow. Also, the pumping efficiency is comparatively low at the high effect of the magnetic parameter.