Numerical and analytical approaches to an advection-diffusion problem at small Reynolds number and large P\'eclet number

TL;DR

This paper explores the advection-diffusion equation at low Reynolds and high Péclet numbers, combining numerical and analytical methods to understand mass transport around a spherical swimmer, with implications for biological and engineered systems.

Contribution

It presents a combined numerical and analytical study of the advection-diffusion problem for a spherical swimmer at small Reynolds and large Péclet numbers, including a first-passage absorption model.

Findings

Quantitative agreement between numerical and analytical solutions.

Insights into mass transport mechanisms for spherical swimmers.

Relevance to designing toxin disposal systems.

Abstract

Obtaining a detailed understanding of the physical interactions between a cell and its environment often requires information about the flow of fluid surrounding the cell. Cells must be able to effectively absorb and discard material in order to survive. Strategies for nutrient acquisition and toxin disposal, which have been evolutionarily selected for their efficacy, should reflect knowledge of the physics underlying this mass transport problem. Motivated by these considerations, in this paper we discuss the results from an undergraduate research project on the advection-diffusion equation at small Reynolds number and large P\'eclet number. In particular, we consider the problem of mass transport for a Stokesian spherical swimmer. We approach the problem numerically and analytically through a rescaling of the concentration boundary layer. A biophysically motivated first-passage problem for the absorption of material by the swimming cell demonstrates quantitative agreement between the numerical and analytical approaches. We conclude by discussing the connections between our results and the design of smart toxin disposal systems.