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Kinetic theory based model for blood flow and its viscosity
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA. Gidaspow@iit.edu
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|May 30, 2009
Summary
A new kinetic theory model explains the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect, where red blood cells (RBCs) migrate centrally in narrow tubes due to shear-induced diffusion. This model accurately predicts hematocrit distribution and blood viscosity.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Biophysics
- Computational modeling
Background:
- The Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect describes red blood cell (RBC) migration towards the center in narrow tubes, impacting blood flow.
- Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for comprehending blood rheology in microcirculation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a kinetic theory-based two-phase flow model for plasma and RBCs.
- To elucidate the mechanism of RBC migration and its effect on blood viscosity in narrow tubes.
Main Methods:
- A kinetic theory approach was used to model plasma and RBCs as two phases.
- The model computed shear-induced diffusion using a balance of granular temperature (random kinetic energy of RBCs).
- Results were validated against computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and experimental data.
Main Results:
- The model successfully explained the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect and RBC migration.
- Computed hematocrit distributions closely matched experimental measurements.
- The model predicted momentum and granular temperature boundary layers.
- Observed blood viscosity dependence on tube diameter and hematocrit was accurately computed.
Conclusions:
- Kinetic theory provides a robust framework for modeling RBC behavior in narrow tubes.
- Shear-induced diffusion, quantified by granular temperature, is the primary driver of the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect.
- The model offers a valuable tool for predicting blood rheology in microvascular flows.
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