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Experimental flow studies in an elastic Y-model
Budimir Mijovic1, Dieter Liepsch
1Laboratory for Biofluid Mechanics, University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany.
Summary
Understanding blood flow hemodynamics is crucial for atherosclerosis research. This study used an elastic carotid artery model to analyze steady and pulsatile flow, revealing how non-Newtonian blood behavior and wall elasticity impact plaque formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis pathogenesis is linked to hemodynamic forces, particularly in areas of disturbed blood flow like bifurcations.
- Flow separation, eddies, and stagnation points are characteristic of these regions and are associated with stenosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of steady and pulsatile flow, wall elasticity, and non-Newtonian blood behavior on hemodynamic parameters relevant to atherosclerosis.
- To analyze flow characteristics in a simplified elastic model simulating the human carotid artery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a silicon elastic y-model of the carotid artery.
- Employed dye visualization for steady flow and photoelastic apparatus for pulsatile flow.
- Measured local axial velocity using Laser-Doppler-Anemometry (LDA).
- Simulated Newtonian (glycerin-water) and non-Newtonian (DMSO-Separan water) blood flow behavior.
Main Results:
- Pulsatile flow generated oscillating shear rates, differing from steady flow.
- Non-Newtonian fluids exhibited distinct flow patterns, especially in flow separation zones.
- Calculated shear gradients and stresses, identifying areas with high shear stress (>10 Pa).
- Demonstrated that model wall elasticity significantly affects flow behavior.
Conclusions:
- Both pulsatile flow characteristics and elastic wall properties are critical and should be studied together.
- The study provides insights into the complex hemodynamics contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation.