A modelling for red blood cells with the Surface Evolver

• Grant number: 12/04575-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: November 26, 2012 - January 18, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Valério Ramos Batista
• Grantee: Valério Ramos Batista
• Visiting researcher: Frank Eugene Baginski
• Visiting researcher institution: George Washington University, United States
• Host Institution: Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição (CMCC). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

We'll develop a series of models for Red Blood Cells with the Surface Evolver, with increasing complexity. Our first model is based upon the double membrane of the RBC. With the Surface Evolver, we'll simulate the membrane equilibrium state via minimization of the total energy that acts on the cell membrane. The simulation will then be used in order to develop a dynamic model. With this dynamic model, we'll be able to understand the underlining theory, and the interplay between geometry and the physical parameters that characterize the RBC (bending coefficients, moduli of elasticity, etc.) (AU)