Finite element analysis of steady flow in stenotic arterial models

Luo, X. and Kuang, Z.-b. (1991) Finite element analysis of steady flow in stenotic arterial models. Chinese Journal of Applied Mechanics, 8(4), pp. 19-26.

Abstract

This paper carries out a numerical study on flow patterns in arterial models with various stenoses at different Reynolds numbers. Navier-Stokes equations were solved by finite element method for a viscous, incompressible fluid. Steady flow patterns have been computed for three stenoses of 20%, 50%and 80%, at three Reynolds number: Re=100,400 and 800, and for four different stenosis shapes. Velocity profiles, axial pressure drop distributions, wall shear stress distributions,and the separation points were investigated. Results showed that among the three variables: velocity, pressure and wall shear stress, the last one is the most sensitive indicator to the degree of stenosis. This can be very helpful in clinical applications. The maximum velocity ratio(UmaxS/UmaxP)and the peak wall shear stressratio (τmaxS/τmaxP). where the superscript "S" denotes stenotic and "P" denotes Poiseuillean, increase with stenosis percent, but are insensitive to Reynolds number. The pressure drop ratio （△PS/△PP）, on the other hand, is affected greatly by the Reynolds number if the degree of stenosis is high, indicating that the pressure drop is mainly due to area expansion for severe stenosis. and due to fluid viscosity for mild stenoses. The flow separation was observed for all models except for the one with 20% stenosis, at Re=100-800. The reverse flow length at downstream of stenosis increases with the stenosis degree, and in an approximate linear form with Reynolds number under the laminar flow. Otherwise the computed reverse flow length will be shorter than the experimental value due to the disturbances of the flow.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Luo, Professor Xiaoyu
• Authors: Luo, X., and Kuang, Z.-b.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Mathematics
• Journal Name: Chinese Journal of Applied Mechanics
• Publisher: Xi'an Jiaotong University
• ISSN: 1000-4939