A finite-element simulation of pulsatile flow in flexible obstructed tubes.
A finite-element model for pulsatile flow in a straight flexible partially obstructed tube is developed. In the unobstructed sections of the tube the model considers the continuity equation, the one-dimensional momentum equation, and an equation of state relating tube cross-sectional area to pressure. For the obstructed region, a nonlinear relationship between the flow and the pressure drop across the stenosis is considered. The applicability of a model is checked by comparing predicted flow and pressure waveforms with corresponding in-vitro experimental measurements obtained on a mechanical system. These comparisons indicated that the model satisfactorily predicts pressures and flows under variety of frequencies of oscillation and stenosis severities.
D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001775:Blood Circulation; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D008961:Models, Structural; D012212:Rheology; D014655:Vascular Resistance