Structure-Induced Dynamics of Erythrocyte Aggregates by Microscale Simulation

Figure 11

Motion and dissociation of a four-cell erythrocyte aggregate which is vertically placed in a 8 𝜇m stenotic channel at time instants (a) 𝑡=0.47 ms; (b) 𝑡=0.86 ms; (c) 𝑡=1.25 ms; and (d) 𝑡=1.64 ms. Velocity vectors (a1-d1) and axial velocity magnitude contours (cm/s) (a2-d2) are presented. The initial configuration for the aggregate is shown in Figure 1(f), and the aggregate is vertically placed in the channel initially. The parameters used are 𝐷_𝑒=1.0 μJ/m², 𝑘_𝑏=3.0×10⁻¹² Nm.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)