ABSTRACT
Some of the factors influencing the motion of red blood cells under these conditions are shown schematically in Figure 4.4.1. In a cylindrical vessel, the average shear stress increases linearly with distance from the center-line to the vessel wall. Each red blood cell is therefore subjected to a level of shear stress that depends on the radial position. In addition, the cells experience forces originating from hydrodynamic interactions with neighboring cells as well as from interactions with vessel walls.
