A multi-scale computational study of pulsatile flow in the three dimensional human carotid artery bifurcation

D. Singh, S. Singh

Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop a multi-scale mathematical 3D-linear coupled model of a whole arterial tree to computationally investigate the hemodynamic parameters of arterial flow such as blood flow pattern, pressure, and wall shear stress using a CFD model. The time-dependent Navier-Stokes equation governs the simulation of blood flow in an artery. This includes a 3D mesh model of the carotid bifurcation coupled with an arterial tree of interest and a linear model for the rest of the arterial tree via a pressure/area relationship. In ANSYS 19.1 Workbench, a computational 3D model is configured and executed. This 3D model is developed with a 1D model of the whole arterial tree to set boundary conditions. The reduced linear model consists of momentum and continuity equations numerically solved using FEM for single vessel time-independent and time-dependent flow. Both along the bend of the carotid artery and at the bifurcation, flow velocity and the low average WSS has been seen at the carotid sinus, indicating a higher probability of atherosclerosis plaque development and growth. This model might be beneficial in predicting the progression of vascular diseases in the future.

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.36 No.2 (2022), 38-54
DOI: 10.7546/SB.36.2022.02.04

Keywords: CAD analysis; carotid artery bifurcation; Coupling 3D-linear; FEM; hemodynamics; meshing

Date published: 2022-06-17