A comparative study of exact and neural network models for wave‐induced multiphase flow in nonuniform geometries: Application of Levenberg–Marquardt neural networks

Abstract

Multiphase fluids exhibit immiscible, heterogeneous structures like emulsions, foams, and suspensions. Their complex rheology arises from relative phase proportions, interfacial interactions, and component properties. Consequently, they demonstrate nonlinear effects—shear‐thinning, viscoelasticity, and yield stress. Peristalsis generates fluid flow by propagating contraction waves along channel walls. This mechanism can effectively transport multiphase and non‐Newtonian fluids in microsystems. Accurate modeling requires considering evolving phase relations, variable viscosity, slip, and particle migration anomalies, using approaches like homogenization theory or volume‐averaging. Applications include peristaltic pumping of emulsified biopharmaceuticals, microscale mixing/separating of multiphase constituents, and enhancing porous media fluid flow in oil reservoirs. Analytical and computational approaches to modeling multiphase fluid flows in peristaltic conduits provide an enhanced understanding of their complex dynamics, toward innovating engineering systems. An analytical approach is taken to model non‐Newtonian Ree‐Eyring fluid flows in asymmetric, peristaltic systems. Governing differential equations incorporate key parameters and yield closed‐form solutions for velocity, flow rate, and permeability. Suitable assumptions of long wavelength, and low Reynolds number provide accuracy. In parallel, an artificial neural network (ANN) is developed using supervised learning to predict permeability. The inputs consist of channel asymmetry, Reynolds number, amplitude ratio, and other physical factors. Outcomes validate both methodologies—analytical equations derive precise relationships from first principles, while ANNs reliably learn the system patterns from input‐output data. Additionally, ANNs can tackle more complex fluid dynamics problems with speed and adaptability. Their promising role is highlighted in developing new fluid models, improving the efficiency of simulations, and designing control systems. Side‐by‐side analytical and ANN simulation plots will further highlight ANN capabilities in emulating the system characteristics. This paves the path for employing machine learning to investigate multifaceted flows in flexible, peristaltic systems at scale. Performing a graphical examination of the engineering skin friction coefficient across a range of parameters, encompassing volume fraction, first and second order slip, Ree–Eyring fluid attributes, and permeability.