title: Semi-implicit numerical modeling of axially symmetric flows in compliant arterial systems.
abstract: Blood flow in arterial systems is described by the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations within a time-dependent spatial domain that accounts for the viscoelasticity of the arterial walls. These equations are simplified by assuming cylindrical geometry, axially symmetric flow, and hydrostatic equilibrium in the radial direction. In this paper, an efficient semi-implicit method is formulated in such a fashion that numerical stability is obtained at a minimal computational cost. The resulting computer model is relatively simple, robust, accurate, and extremely efficient. These features are illustrated on nontrivial test cases where the exact analytical solution is known and by an example of a realistic flow through a complex arterial system.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Trento, I-38100, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Casulli
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dumbser
authors.forename: Eleuterio F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Toro
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular
keywords: axially symmetric flow; blood flow; compliant arteries; finite difference; finite volume; hydrostatic equilibrium; moving boundaries; semi-implicit method