Mathematics and Biology

Graph of Pressure Relation Velocity Profile

Math Awareness Month 1999

Poiseuille's Law: Pressure Dependence

We will begin to understand how the flow depends on our parameters by treating all but one of the parameters as fixed numerical values. The remaining value can then be treated as a variable using very basic principles of algebra. We begin with pressure. Setting the other parameters to the typical values of n=0.05 P, d=0.03 mm, and L=0.5 cm, Poiseuille's Law becomes

where P measures pressure in mmHg (no conversion needed). This is an example of a linear relation.

To explore the consequences of a linear relation, you may continue through the following subcategories:


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D. Brian Walton is supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.