NUMERICAL STUDY OF ERYTHROCYTE MECHANICS: DEFORMATION AND AGGREGATION

Abstract

Viscoelasticity of the RBC membrane has been known to material scientists and biologists since the 1970s, yet present-day numerical models of RBCs in microvascular flows still model the RBC deformation dynamics without any viscous component. Models of RBC aggregation routinely employ attraction ranges that are twenty times larger than intercellular distances specified by depletion and bridging theory, despite the fact that these distances have been verified with transmission electron microscopy. These poor approaches to RBC modeling prevent numerical models from being employed as clinical tools for addressing RBC pathologies. In this thesis work, I demonstrate the physiological baselines of RBC deformation and aggregation behavior, achievable with correct membrane viscosity and aggregation distance considerations. Using the computational models developed in this thesis, the shift in RBC functional behavior due to property change may be assessed and this will assist in designing strategies to reverse RBC related disorders.