Modified suspension-balance model for deformable particle suspensions: Application to blood flows with cell-free layer
Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 043102 – Published 24 April, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/nwsz-5d6f
Abstract
We propose a modified suspension-balance model (MSBM) for the flow of red blood cells (RBCs) and other deformable particle suspensions in confined geometries. Specifically, the method includes the hydrodynamic lift force generated by deformable particles interacting with walls leading to a cell-free layer. The lift force is added to the suspension-balance model to drive RBCs migrating away from the wall. Using the MSBM, we simulate blood flows through microvascular channels and tubes. The method is able to capture the transient development of the cell-free layer (CFL) and the corresponding hematocrit and velocity profiles with the development of the CFL. The CFL thickness and hemorheological hallmarks in microcirculation, such as the Fåhræus effect and the Fåhræus-Linqvist effect, are captured in good agreement with existing experimental and direct numerical results of blood flows. This work establishes a novel continuum computational framework that can efficiently capture the microstructural heterogeneity and non-Newtonian flow behavior of concentrated deformable particle suspensions under confinement.
