Key result
Peristaltic pumping causes a linearly diminishing pressure-flow relationship in Newtonian fluids at low Reynolds numbers.
Why the study?
To provide a comprehensive, critical assessment and unified framework of theoretical advancements in peristaltic transport of Newtonian fluids in tubes and channels with flexible and permeable walls.
Effect estimate: Pressure-flow relationship: Q = (9 φ^2 + 3 φ^3 - Q(1-φ) φ)/(2^2 2^(5/2) 3 π (2 + φ)) (Eqn. 23 in paper)
This review provides a unified theoretical framework for understanding peristaltic pumping mechanisms of Newtonian fluids, with applications in biomechanics and fluid transport systems.
Peristaltic pumping is a fundamental transport mechanism widely observed in biological systems and extensively applied in engineering and biomedical devices. With a focus on flexible and permeable wall effects, this paper provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of theoretical advancements pertaining to the peristaltic transport of Newtonian fluids in axisymmetric tubes and two-dimensional channels. The classical long-wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations are discussed in detail, highlighting their role in simplifying the governing equations and enabling analytical solutions. Key flow characteristics such as pressure–flow rate relationships, pumping range, reflux, and trapping phenomena are critically reviewed. The paper also summarizes perturbation techniques used to address cases involving finite inertia, small amplitude ratios, and non-negligible wave numbers. Relevant applications in physiological flows—such as ureteral transport, gastrointestinal motion, and blood flow in small vessels—as well as industrial peristaltic pumps are examined through existing literature. By consolidating major theoretical contributions and modeling approaches, this review provides a unified framework for understanding peristaltic pumping mechanisms and identifies directions for future research in biomechanics and fluid transport systems.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gupta et al. (2026) conducted a review in Patients or systems involving peristaltic transport of Newtonian fluids in biological or engineering contexts. Peristaltic pumping of Newtonian fluids with variable parameters (wave amplitude, wavelength, Reynolds number) vs. Cases with and without peristaltic pumping was evaluated on Relationship between pressure rise per wavelength (Δp) and mean flow rate (Q) under peristaltic pumping conditions in low Reynolds number, long wavelength approximations (Pressure-flow relationship: Q = (9 φ^2 + 3 φ^3 - Q(1-φ) φ)/(2^2 2^(5/2) 3 π (2 + φ)) (Eqn. 23 in paper)). Peristaltic pumping causes a linearly diminishing pressure-flow relationship, with maximum pressure rise λ max(Δp) = (9/(2^2 2^(5/2) π))(φ^2/(1-φ)) and maximum flow rate maxQ = (3φ)/(2+φ), for Newtonian fluids in channels or tubes under long wavelength, low Reynolds number conditions.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: