Single-phase multi-component simulation of RBCs biconcave shape using 2-D lattice Boltzmann method

The dependence of the rheological properties of blood, on RBCs shape, aggregation and deformability has been investigated using hybrid systems which couple fluid with solid models [1-4]. We are presenting a simplistic approach for simulating blood as a multi-component fluid, in which RBCs are modeled as droplets of acquired biconcave shape. We use LBM, owing to its excellent numerical stability as a simulation tool. The model enables good control of the droplet shape by imposing variable surface tension on the interface between the two fluids. The use of variable surface tension is justified by Norris hypotheses, which was supported by recent experiments. This hypotheses states that the shape of the erythrocytes is due to a difference in surface tension caused by the unbalanced distribution of lipid molecules on the surface [5].