Simpson B.A.F., Tansley G.D.
Griffith University, AU
Keywords: blood flow, cardiovascular, CFD, microfluidics, simulation, turbulence
A systematic and detailed comparative study of computational results with validating experimental data has helped define the turbulence models that are most appropriate for predicting the velocity fields and shear forces in blood flows. The range of turbulence models tested included those specifically developed to represent laminar-to-turbulent transitional flow. Despite the generally agreed usefulness of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in analysing cardiovascular devices, engineers still face many challenges when generating simulations. The rheology of blood makes it a difficult fluid to model, the devices often involve complex rotating geometry, the flow fields may have transient features, the boundary conditions are difficult to define and the devices tend to operate at flow rates that result in some regions of flow that are laminar, and others that are turbulent. The presented studies clarify the limitations of the turbulence models that are available in commercial software for simulating blood flows. The guidelines produced can be used by both novices and experienced users. They take into account the predicted physical flow features, the accuracy of the modelling and the computational effort involved. The presented studies demonstrate that if the correct CFD strategy is adopted accurate results can be achieved.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Biotech, Biomaterials and Biomedical: TechConnect Briefs 2015
Published: June 14, 2015
Pages: 238 - 241
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 978-1-4987-4729-5