A computational model of the cochlea using the immersed boundary method (Q1184643)

In this work we describe a two-dimensional computational model of the cochlea (inner ear). The cochlea model is solved by modifying and extending Peskin's immersed boundary method, originally applied to solving a model of the heart. This method solves the time-dependent incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in the presence of immersed boundaries. The fluid equations are specified on a fixed Eulerian grid while the immersed boundaries are specified on a moving Lagrangian grid. The immersed boundaries exert forces locally on the fluid. These local forces are seen by the fluid as external forces that are added to the other forces, pressure and viscous, acting on the fluid.