Fast predictive tools for suspensions of slender fibres in viscous fluids.

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This project aims to develop an effective toolbox for modelling suspensions of slender fibres in viscous fluids. Though little is understood about the interactions of fibres in viscous fluids, such configurations occur frequently in nature and industry: e.g. sperm gather together and swim by waving slender filaments, and collections of carbon fibres are injection molded to manufacture machine parts. Current models are qualitative or require large computations. This project will use ideas from colloidal suspensions and state-of-the-art asymptotic techniques to develop a refined toolbox for collections of slender fibres in viscous flow. These methods could help understand infertility, develop new technologies and optimise manufacturing.