Numerical 3D-stimulation of pulsatile wall shear stress in an arterial T-bifurcation model

The structure of pulsatile blood flow and wall shear stress in a 90 degrees T-bifurcation model is analysed numerically. The nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations for time-dependent incompressible Newtonian fluid flow are approximated using a newly developed pressure correction, finite element method. The wall shear stress is calculated from the finite element velocity field. The investigation shows viscous flow phenomena such as flow separation and stagnation and the distribution of high and low wall shear stress during the pulse cycle. Furthermore, the effect of a sharp corner at the bifurcation edge on the wall shear stress is analysed. Detailed local flow investigation is required to examine fluid dynamic contribution to the development of arterial diseases such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis.