Low-Reynolds-number flow through two-dimensional shunts

Motivated by numerous biological and industrial applications relating to bypasses, mixing and leakage, we consider low-Reynolds-number flow through a shunt between two channels. An analytical solution for the streamfunction is found by matching biorthogonal expansions of Papkovich–Fadle eigenfunctions in rectangular subregions. The general solution can be adapted to model a variety of interesting problems of flow through two-dimensional shunts by imposing different inlet and outlet flux distributions. We present several such flow profiles but the majority of results relate to the particular problem of a side-to-side anastomosis in the small intestine. We consider different flux fractions through the shunt with particular emphasis on the pressure and recirculating regions, which are important factors in estimating health risks pertaining to this surgical procedure.