KUKU

KU ScholarWorks

  • myKU
  • Email
  • Enroll & Pay
  • KU Directory
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    2D Thin-Film Flow of a Non-Newtonian Fluid Between Elastic Boundaries

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Karri_ku_0099M_11780_DATA_1.pdf (4.839Mb)
    Issue Date
    2011-09-08
    Author
    Karri, Sunil
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    131 pages
    Type
    Thesis
    Degree Level
    M.S.
    Discipline
    Mechanical Engineering
    Rights
    This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    This thesis presents a numerical technique to optimize the efficacy of anti-HIV vaginal drug delivery systems known as microbicides. A microbicide is a topical, prophylactic agent that acts as a barrier from transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A microbicidal formulation consists of an anti-HIV active ingredient within a drug delivery vehicle such as a polymeric gel. For a microbicide to be effective it must be able to perform its function by adhering to the epithelial surface. The effectiveness of the gel depends on the gel's rheological properties as well as the vaginal tissue properties, vaginal geometry, external forces like gravity and other factors like dilution, etc. As a next step in the design of a microbicidal delivery vehicle, this thesis primarily focuses on the combined effect of gravity, tissue elasticity, and rheological properties and their influence on the gel distribution. A 2D numerical model for the flow a non-Newtonian fluid between elastic boundaries is presented. The following models are considered: * Power-law fluid model with linear elastic boundary condition, * Ellis fluid model with linear elastic boundary condition, * Power-law fluid model with non-linear elastic boundary condition. The equations describing the evolution of the gel shape were solved numerically using implicit finite difference method along with Newton's search method for the non-linear system of equations. A parametric and sensitivity analysis of coating behavior to changes in non-Newtonian fluid properties for different elasticities combined with gravity was presented. The results of the parametric study showed that the combined effect of tissue elasticity and gravitational forces greatly influenced the gel coating. A higher tissue elasticity resulted in greater spreading length, faster spreading rates and dominance over gravitational force. The gel consistency had greater impact on gel coating compared to shear-thinning index; a higher consistency resulted in slower spreading rates. The shear-thinning index is relatively of less importance; however, it may be important for long spreading times. Sensitivity analysis for 10% changes in consistency and shear-thinning index showed high sensitivity for synergistic change in both parameters. The sensitivity of spreading length for changes in consistency were greater compared to changes in shear-thinning index. In conclusion, the relative importance of each parameter has been determined. These results will ultimately help in determining optimal gel properties for microbicidal gel in groups of women with different tissue elasticities. Thus, this work will help in designing better microbicides.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/8379
    Collections
    • Engineering Dissertations and Theses [1055]
    • Theses [3828]

    Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


    We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.


    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    Browse

    All of KU ScholarWorksCommunities & CollectionsThis Collection

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    The University of Kansas
      Contact KU ScholarWorks
    Lawrence, KS | Maps
     
    • Academics
    • Admission
    • Alumni
    • Athletics
    • Campuses
    • Giving
    • Jobs

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

     Contact KU
    Lawrence, KS | Maps