An Immersed Boundary Method for Diatom Sedimentation

An Immersed Boundary Method for Diatom Sedimentation

Year:    2016

International Journal of Numerical Analysis and Modeling, Vol. 13 (2016), Iss. 2 : pp. 220–229

Abstract

We propose a mathematical model and immersed boundary method for the growth and breakup of diatom chains. Diatom chains are treated as zero thickness open curves thanks to their small aspect ratio. The growth of the chain is modelled by adding small pieces of diatoms at the two end points while the breakup is done by removing a small piece in the middle of the chain. Numerical experiments are carried out to investigate the effects of growth and breakup on the sedimentation rate of diatom chains. Simulations of multiple diatom chains show that sedimentation rate is highly dependent on diatoms' spatial distribution. The results can be used to explain the observations that diatoms often form chain-like structures in natural habitats.

You do not have full access to this article.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in as an individual or via your institution

Journal Article Details

Publisher Name:    Global Science Press

Language:    English

DOI:    https://doi.org/2016-IJNAM-435

International Journal of Numerical Analysis and Modeling, Vol. 13 (2016), Iss. 2 : pp. 220–229

Published online:    2016-01

AMS Subject Headings:    Global Science Press

Copyright:    COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press

Pages:    10

Keywords:    Diatom sedimentation hydrodynamic interaction immersed boundary method.