Diffusivity in Simulated Suspensions of Deformable Particles using the Lattice-Boltzmann Method

Diffusion of particles and molecules in suspension flow plays a vital role in many biological and industrial processes. In the paper industry, adequate mixing of pigments during the coating process is essential. In blood flow, diffusion of molecules plays an important role in cell response. For example, transport of NO and reactive oxygen species affects endothelial cell function. In the present study, simulations couple elastic finite-element particles to a lattice-Boltzmann fluid model. This study compares the diffusivities found in suspensions of rigid and deformable particles in wall bounded shear flow.