Module Code - Title:

ME4746 - PHYSIOLOGICAL FLUID MECHANICS 2

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

0

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To advance the knowledge of students physiological fluid mechanics; specifically introducing concepts and applications in mass transport and heat transport.

Syllabus:

The role of transport phenomena in biological systems and the definition of these processes, including momentum, convection, diffusion and binding interactions. Introduction to the primary physiological transport systems: cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys. Extension of fluid mechanics of capillary flow into oscillating flow. Introduction to mass transport, derivation of the relevant conservation equations, dimensional analysis and scaling. Estimating mass transfer coefficients using correlations. Ficks law of diffusion (dilute solutions), the Stokes-Einstein equation and estimation of frictional drag coefficients. Osmosis and mass transport through membranes. Introduction to thermal transport, conduction, convection and radiation and derivation of the conservation equations. Estimation of heat transfer coefficients. Thermal regulation of biological systems

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Derive and scale equations of heat, mass and momentum transfer for steady and oscillating flow in a capillary. Estimate mass transfer coefficients from correlations and use to predict mass transfer in simple biological systems State Ficks law and its limitations and apply the Stokes-Einstein equation to estimate drag coefficients. Describe the process the Osmosis and its importance in biological transport Derive the equations for mass transport through membranes Estimate heat transfer coefficients from correlations and use to predict heat transfer from simple biological systems Describe the process of thermal regulation for biological systems.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Appreciate the engineering context of biological systems.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Using advanced laboratory equipment students will be able to: Conduct tests on shear and viscosity of biological samples Conduct tests on mass transport of biological samples

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Lectures, Laboratory work and Tutorials

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Linked with on-going research in Stokes Institute

Prime Texts:

Truskey, G.A. (2005) Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems , Prentice-Hall

Berger, S.A., Goldsmith, W. and Lewis, E.R. (1996) Introduction to Bioengineering , Oxford University Press

Bird, R., Stewart, W. and Lightfoot, E. (2002) Transport Phenomena , Wiley

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

Tara.Dalton@ul.ie