Elastic Expulsion

Abstract

The paper is a mathematical and experimental investigation of the discharge of fluids from long, distensible tubes following instantaneous severance. With reference to myelinated nerve fibres, laticifers of trees and the mammalian venous system, the mathematical study considers flow of a power-law fluid from a long, uniform, initially-distended tube. Similarity solutions are developed from which pressure, velocity, distension and exudation rate are determined.

Discussion of experiments includes a review of earlier work on myelinated nerve fibres and the results of recent experiments using rubber tubes and the canine venous system. The experimental results are compared with the mathematical predictions.