Biofluidmechanics of reproduction
Lisa Fauci, Tulane University
Complex fluid-structure interactions are central to mammalian fertilization. Motile spermatozoa, muscular contractions of the uterus and oviduct, as well as ciliary beating generate forces that drive fluid motion. At the same time, the dynamic shapes of these biostructures are determined by the fluid mechanics.
In this talk we will give an overview of the classical work in fluid dynamics that has been applied to reproduction. We will also present recent computational models, based upon an immersed boundary framework, that promise to provide insight into these complex, coupled dynamical systems.