In my research group students use Computational Fluid Dynamics methods coupled with realistic models of cellular membrane properties to simulate the dynamic deformation of biological cells.
Deformations can result from viscous stresses in fluid flow or from directly applied forces.
The goal of the research is to characterize conditions that cause cell membranes to rupture so that this information can be used in the design of artificial circulatory devices and cell separation processes. Physics of Fluids, vol.