Characteristics of the parallel-plate flow chamber for mechanical stimulation of bone cells under microgravity.

We show the use of a dimensionless parameter alpha h, in properly downscaling a parallel-plate flow chamber system for flow stimulation of bone cells under microgravity. The proper experimental regime for exposing cells to predictable levels of dynamic fluid shear stress requires: 1) alpha h < 2, based on the consequent quasi-parabolic form of the velocity profile in this regime, and 2) fo m