Ricardo Cortez
Mathematics Department
Tulane University

The Method of Regularized Stokeslets and its Extensions

The Method of Regularized Stokeslets is used to compute linear fluid
flows (zero Reynolds number) driven by forces.  Examples are flows
generated by the motion of flagella and the flow due to moving solid
objects in a flow bounded by a wall.  The method is based on an
expression for the exact solution of Stokes equations when a Dirac
delta distribution of forces has been replaced with a smooth
approximation. A regularized force field applied to a Stokes flow
results in a flow known as a Regularized Stokeslet. Extensions to
the method include other solutions derived from other regularized
elements such as Rotlets and Stresslets as well as a system of images
for flows bounded by a plane wall.  I will present the ideas behind
the methods, some of the known theory and numerical examples from
biological applications.