Fast predictive tools for suspensions of slender fibers in viscous fluids.

This project aims to develop an effective toolbox for suspensions of slender fibers in viscous fluids. Though little is understood about the interactions of fibers in viscous fluids, such configurations occur frequently in nature and industry. For example, sperm gather together and swim by waving slender filaments, and collections of carbon fibers are injection molded to manufacture machine parts. Current models are qualitative or require large computations. This project plans to utilise ideas from colloidal suspensions and state-of-the-art asymptotic techniques to develop a refined toolbox for collections of slender fibers in viscous flow. These methods could help understand infertility, develop new technologies and optimise manufacturing.