The Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyses on Hemodynamic Characteristics in Stenosed Arterial Models

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Arterial stenosis is a critical factor in the development of thrombosis and stroke.
• Understanding the hemodynamics of stenotic arteries is essential for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hemodynamic effects of varying degrees of arterial stenosis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• To compare the performance of Newtonian and Carreau fluid models in simulating blood flow through stenotic arteries.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of blood flow in a standard axisymmetric tube model representing stenotic arteries.
• Analysis of five cases: normal (η = 0) and stenotic (η = 0.25, 0.5, 0.625, 0.75) at a constant Reynolds number (Re = 300).
• Utilized both Newtonian and Carreau fluid models for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Poststenotic separation vortex length increases exponentially with stenosis degree for both models.
• The Carreau model predicts shorter vortex lengths compared to the Newtonian model.
• Artery narrowing significantly accelerates blood flow, leading to substantial increases in pressure drop and peak wall shear stress (WSS).

Conclusions:

• Increased stenosis degree correlates with exponentially growing vortex length and significantly elevated pressure drop and WSS.
• The Carreau model offers a potentially more refined simulation of blood flow dynamics in stenotic arteries.
• Findings enhance understanding of the dynamic mechanisms underlying artery stenosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.