Bifurcations of streamlines in peristaltic flow without lubrication approximation: A case study

Abstract Bifurcations of streamlines in peristaltic flow through a channel are investigated without lubrication approximation, that is, when the inertial and streamline curvature effects are present. The stream function for the considered flow is first established and then utilized to locate the stagnation/ equilibrium points. The classification of equilibrium points is made by employing the theory of dynamical systems. It is observed that the inertial effects modify the location and number of equilibrium points and hence give rise to additional bifurcations. This research focuses on the alterations in the topology of flow within a pump when there is partial occlusion. The insights gained from this research could be beneficial in guaranteeing the smooth flow of fluids through the pump with no risk of entrapment from entry to exit. Moreover, if trapping does occur, this information can be helpful in identifying the exact region within the pump where the fluid is being trapped.