Physics Applications in Clinical Practice: Fluid Dynamics, Elasticity, Centrifugation, and Ultrasound
Overview
A physics diary documenting the application of fundamental physics principles to clinical and medical contexts. The document explores Poiseuille's Law in IV infusion therapy, Hooke's Law in tendon mechanics, centrifugal force in blood separation, and ultrasound technology, demonstrating how theoretical physics governs practical healthcare procedures.
What this coursework covers
- Entry 1: Poiseuille's Law applied to gravity IV infusions, examining how tube radius, length, viscosity, and pressure difference affect fluid flow rates
- Entry 2: Hooke's Law in tendon biomechanics, analyzing elastic properties of collagen fibers and energy storage during movement
- Entry 3: Centrifugal force in blood centrifugation, explaining component separation by density using rotational mechanics
- Entry 4: Ultrasound waves in early tumor detection (incomplete section)
Preview
Physics Diary
Kristie N. Hazzard
St. George’s University
PHYS 201- Physics
Dr. Sharlene Beharry
General Biology 21/11/25
Entry 1: Fluid Dynamics (Poiseuille’s Law)
Application: Gravity IV Infusions
The Law of Poiseuille determines the motion of the fluid inside a tube under the influence of the tube with respect to its radius, length, and the viscosity of the flowing liquid. The formula, , denotes that the flow is characterized by a rapid rise during the increase of tube radius and pressure difference, as well as a decrease during the growth of viscosity (Kim et al., 2024). When administering IV therapy, the pressure (ΔP=ρgh) is greater for the fluid bag height, which increases the rate of delivery, but at small catheters or long catheters and viscous solutions, decelerates the delivery (Kim et al., 2024). Based on the diagram below, an increase in the IV bag will increase the hydrostatic pressure, eventually leading to a faster flow of the fluid, and longer tubing will slow down the rate of infusion or increase the viscosity.
Diagram 1: Illustration of How Bag Height, Viscosity, and Tubing Length Affect IV Flow According to Poiseuille’s Law.
References
Kim, N., Lee, H., & Han, J. (2024). Comparison of fluid flow rates by fluid height and catheter size in normal and hypertensive blood-pressure scenarios. Healthcare, 12(23), 2445. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232445.
Entry 2: Hooke’s Law
Application: Hooke’s Law in Tendons
Diagram 2: Illustrating How Tendons Store and Release Energy through Hooke’s Law.