Abstract
The peristaltic flow of a Maxwell fluid in an asymmetric channel is studied. Asymmetry in the flow is induced by taking peristaltic wave train of different amplitudes and phase. The viscoelasticity of the fluid is induced in the momentum equation. An analytic solution is obtained through a series of the wave number. The leading velocity term denotes the Newtonian result. The first and second order terms are the viscoelastic contribution to the flow. Expressions for stream function and longitudinal pressure gradient are obtained analytically. Numerical computations have been performed for the pressure rise per wavelength and discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.