Search Results (64)

This study applies Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and mathematical modeling to examine uterine and umbilical arterial blood flow during pregnancy, providing a more detailed understanding of hemodynamic changes across gestation. Statistical analysis of Doppler ultrasound data from a large cohort of more than 200 pregnant women (in the second and third trimesters) reveals significant increases in the umbilical arterial peak systolic velocity ($PSV$) between the 22nd and 30th weeks, while uterine artery velocities remain relatively stable, suggesting adaptations in vascular resistance during pregnancy. By combining the Navier–Stokes equations with Doppler ultrasound-derived inlet velocity profiles, we quantify several key fluid dynamics parameters, including time-averaged wall shear stress ($TAWSS$), oscillatory shear index ($OSI$), relative residence time ($RRT$), Reynolds number ($Re$), and Dean number ($De$), evaluating laminar flow stability in the uterine artery and secondary flow patterns in the umbilical artery. Since blood exhibits shear-dependent viscosity and complex rheological behavior, modeling it as a non-Newtonian fluid is essential to accurately capture pulsatile flow dynamics and wall shear stresses in these vessels. Unlike conventional imaging techniques, CFD offers enhanced visualization of blood flow characteristics such as streamlines, velocity distributions, and instantaneous particle motion, providing insights that are not easily captured by Doppler ultrasound alone. Specifically, CFD reveals secondary flow patterns in the umbilical artery, which interact with the primary flow, a phenomenon that is challenging to observe with ultrasound. These findings refine existing hemodynamic models, provide population-specific reference values for clinical assessments, and improve our understanding of the relationship between umbilical arterial flow dynamics and fetal growth restriction, with important implications for maternal and fetal health monitoring. Full article

This study presents an innovative approach to quantifying uncertainty in Herschel–Bulkley (H-B) fluid flow through rectangular ducts, analyzing four scenarios: uncertain apparent viscosity (Case I), uncertain pressure gradient (Case II), uncertain boundary conditions (Case III) and uncertain apparent viscosity and pressure gradient (Case IV). Using the stochastic finite difference with homogeneous chaos (SFDHC) method, we produce probability density functions (PDFs) of fluid velocity with exceptional computational efficiency (243 times faster), matching the accuracy of Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Key statistics and maximum velocity PDFs are tabulated and visualized for each case. Mean velocity shows minimal variation in Cases I, III, and IV, but maximum velocity fluctuates significantly in Case I (63.95–187.45% of mean), Case II (50.15–156.68%), and Case IV (63.70–185.53% of mean), vital for duct design and analysis. Examining the effects of different parameters, the SFDHC method’s rapid convergence reveals the fluid behavior index as the primary driver of maximum stochastic velocity, followed by aspect ratio and yield stress. These findings enhance applications in drilling fluid management, biomedical modeling (e.g., blood flow in vascular networks), and industrial processes involving non-Newtonian fluids, such as paints and slurries, providing a robust tool for advancing understanding and managing uncertainty in complex fluid dynamics. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for accurate simulations of blood flow to improve diagnosis and treatment. This study examines blood flow dynamics in two different vascular structures—the aorta and the right coronary artery (RCA)—using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics^®, various mathematical models were applied to simulate blood flow under physiological conditions, assuming a steady-flow regime. These models include both Newtonian and non-Newtonian approaches, such as the Carreau and Casson models, as well as viscoelastic frameworks like Oldroyd-B, Giesekus, and FENE-P. Key metrics—such as velocity fields, pressure distributions, and error analysis—were evaluated to determine which model most accurately describes hemodynamic behavior in large vessels like the aorta and in smaller and more complex vessels like the RCA. The results highlight the importance of shear-thinning and viscoelastic properties in small vessels like the RCA, which contrasts with the predominantly Newtonian behavior observed in the aorta. While computational challenges remain, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of blood rheology, enhancing the accuracy of cardiovascular simulations and offering valuable insights for diagnosing and managing vascular diseases. Full article

Arterial diseases are a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, necessitating the development of robust simulation tools to understand their progression mechanisms. In this study, we present a finite volume solver based on the incompressible lattice Boltzmann method (iLBM) to model complex cardiovascular flows. Standard LBM suffers from compressibility errors and is constrained to uniform Cartesian meshes, limiting its applicability to realistic vascular geometries. To address these issues, we developed an incompressible LBM scheme that recovers the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations (NSEs) and integrated it into a finite volume (FV) framework to handle unstructured meshes while retaining the simplicity of the LBM algorithm. The FV-iLBM model with linear reconstruction (LR) scheme was then validated against benchmark cases, including Taylor–Green vortex flow, shear wave attenuation, Womersley flow, and lid-driven cavity flow, demonstrating improved accuracy in reducing compressibility errors. In simulating flow over National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0012 airfoil, the FV-iLBM model accurately captured vortex shedding and aerodynamic forces. After validating the FV-iLBM solver for simulating non-Newtonian flows, pulsatile blood flow through an artery afflicted with multiple stenoses was simulated, accurately predicting wall shear stress and flow separation. The results establish FV-iLBM as an efficient and accurate method for modeling cardiovascular flows. Full article

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms, affecting 2–5% of the population, are characterized by localized wall weakening and irregular morphologies, including features such as blebs, lobulations, or asymmetries, which are significant predictors of rupture risk. Although up to 57% of ruptured intracranial aneurysms exhibit irregular dome geometry, its influence on aneurysm stability remains underexplored. Irregular geometries are associated with adverse hemodynamic forces, such as increased wall shear stress (WSS), amplifying wall stress at specific regions, and promoting flow disturbances, which may increase aneurysm vulnerability. This study investigates the influence of aneurysm dome morphology, particularly in IAs with irregular domes that may include daughter blebs, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Unlike prior CFD studies that modeled blood as Newtonian or non-Newtonian, this work employs a three-phase blood flow model, representing plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) as distinct phases. Numerical simulations, conducted via the Finite Volume Method, solve the Navier–Stokes equations to capture complex flow dynamics within cerebral vasculature. Key hemodynamic metrics, such as Wall Shear Stress (WSS), Wall Shear Stress Gradient (WSSG), and Viscous Dissipation Rate, are analyzed to assess the interplay between dome morphology and hemodynamic stressors. Full article

The non-Newtonian Carreau fluid model is a suitable model for pseudoplastic fluids and can be used to characterize fluids not so different from biological fluids, such as the blood, and fluids involved in geological processes, such as lava and magma. These fluids are frequently conveyed by complex flow structures, which consist of a network of channels that allow the fluid to flow from one place (source or sink) to a variety of locations or vice versa. These flow networks are not randomly arranged but show self-similarity at different spatial scales. Our work focuses on the design of self-similar branched flow networks that look the same on any scale. The flow is incompressible and stationary with a viscosity following the Carreau model, which is important for the study of complex flow systems. The flow division ratios, the flow resistances at different scales, and the geometric size ratios for maximum flow access are studied, based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A special emphasis is placed on investigating the possible incidence of flow asymmetry in these symmetric networks. Our results show that asymmetries may occur for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids and shear-thinning fluids most affect performance results. The lowest flow resistance occurs when the diameters of the parent and daughter ducts are equal, and the more uniform distribution of flow resistance occurs for a ratio between the diameters of the parent and daughter ducts equal to 0.75. Resistances for non-Newtonian fluids are 4.8 to 5.6 times greater than for Newtonian fluids at Reynolds numbers of 100 and 250, respectively. For the design of engineering systems and the assessment of biological systems, it is recommended that the findings presented are taken into account. Full article

The incidence of stroke is on the rise globally. This affects one in every four individuals each year, underscoring the urgent need for early warning and prevention systems. The existing research highlights the significance of monitoring blood viscosity in stroke risk evaluations. However, the current methods lack the precision to measure viscosity under low shear rate conditions (<100 s⁻¹), which are observed during pulsatility flow. This study addresses this gap by introducing a novel microfluidic platform designed to measure blood viscosity with high precision under pulsatility flow conditions. The systolic blood viscosity (SBV) and diastolic blood viscosity (DBV) can be differentiated and evaluated by using this system. The non-Newtonian behavior of blood is captured across specific shear rate conditions. The platform employs a meticulously designed microarray to simulate the variations in blood viscosity during pulsation within blood vessels.The results demonstrate an impressive accuracy of 95% and excellent reproducibility when compared to traditional viscometers and rheometers and are within the human blood viscosity range of 1–10 cP. This monitoring system holds promise as a valuable addition to stroke risk evaluation methods, with the potential to enhance prediction accuracy. Full article

Designing scaffolds similar to the structure of trabecular bone requires specialised algorithms. Existing scaffold designs for bone tissue engineering have repeated patterns that do not replicate the random stochastic porous structure of the internal architecture of bones. In this research, the Voronoi tessellation method is applied to create random porous biomimetic structures. A volume mesh created from the shape of a Zygoma fracture acts as a boundary for the generation of random seed points by point spacing to create Voronoi cells and Voronoi diagrams. The Voronoi lattices were obtained by adding strut thickness to the Voronoi diagrams. Gradient Voronoi scaffolds of pore sizes (19.8 µm to 923 µm) similar to the structure of the trabecular bone were designed. A Finite Element Method-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was performed on all designed Voronoi scaffolds to predict the pressure drops and permeability of non-Newtonian blood flow behaviour using the power law material model. The predicted permeability (0.33 × 10⁻⁹ m² to 2.17 × 10⁻⁹ m²) values of the Voronoi scaffolds from the CFD simulation are comparable with the permeability of scaffolds and bone specimens from other research works. Full article

Radical or partial nephrectomy, commonly used for the treatment of kidney tumors, is a surgical procedure with a risk of high blood loss. The primary aim of this study is to quantify blood loss and elucidate the redistribution of blood flux and pressure between the two kidneys and the abdominal aorta during renal resection. We have developed a robust research methodology that introduces a new lumped-parameter mathematical model, specifically focusing on the vasculature of both kidneys using a non-Newtonian Carreau fluid. This model, a first-order approximation, accounts for the variation in the total impedance of the vasculature when various vessels are severed in the diseased kidney (assumed to be the left in this work). The model offers near real-time estimations of the flow–pressure redistribution within the vascular network of the two kidneys and the downstream aorta for several radical or partial nephrectomy scenarios. Notably, our findings indicate that the downstream aorta receives an approximately 1.27 times higher percentage of the redistributed flow from the diseased kidney compared to that received by the healthy kidney, in nearly all examined cases. The implications of this study are significant, as they can inform the development of surgical protocols to minimize blood loss and can assist surgeons in evaluating the adequacy of the remaining kidney vasculature. Full article

There is a prevailing consensus that most Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) frameworks can accurately predict global variables under laminar flow conditions within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) benchmark nozzle geometry. However, variations in derived variables, such as strain rate and vorticity, may arise due to differences in numerical solvers and gradient evaluation methods, which can subsequently impact predictions related to blood damage and non-Newtonian flow behavior. To examine this, flow symmetry indices, vortex characteristics, and blood damage—were assessed using Newtonian and four non-Newtonian viscosity models with CFD codes Ansys Fluent and OpenFOAM on identical meshes. At Reynolds number (Re) 500, symmetry breakdown and complex vortex shapes were predicted with some non-Newtonian models in both OpenFOAM and Ansys Fluent, whereas these phenomena were not observed with the Newtonian model. This contradicted the expectation that employing a non-Newtonian model would delay the onset of turbulence. Similarly, at Re 2000, symmetry breakdown occurred sooner (following the sudden expansion section) with the non-Newtonian models in both Ansys Fluent and OpenFOAM. Vortex identification based on the Q-criterion resulted in distinctly different vortex shapes in Ansys Fluent and OpenFOAM. Blood damage assessments showed greater prediction variations among the non-Newtonian models at lower Reynolds numbers. Full article

Hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysm strongly depends on the non-Newtonian blood behavior due to the large number of suspended cells and the ability of red blood cells to deform and aggregate. However, most numerical investigations on intracranial hemodynamics adopt the Newtonian hypothesis to model blood flow and predict aneurysm occlusion. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the blood rheological model on the hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysms in the presence or absence of endovascular treatment. A numerical investigation was performed under pulsatile flow conditions in a patient-specific aneurysm with and without the insertion of an appropriately reconstructed flow diverter stent (FDS). The numerical simulations were performed using Newtonian and non-Newtonian assumptions for blood rheology. In all cases, FDS placement reduced the intra-aneurysmal velocity and increased the relative residence time (RRT) on the aneurysmal wall, indicating progressive thrombus formation and aneurysm occlusion. However, the Newtonian model largely overestimated RRT values and consequent aneurysm healing with respect to the non-Newtonian models. Due to the non-Newtonian blood properties and the large discrepancy between Newtonian and non-Newtonian simulations, the Newtonian hypothesis should not be used in the study of the hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysm, especially in the presence of endovascular treatment. Full article

In this current work, we assume the mathematical modelling of non-Newtonian time-dependent hybrid nanoparticles via a cylindrical stenosis artery. In this work, blood is used as a base fluid, and the nanoparticles (copper and aluminum oxide) of cylindrical shape are inserted inside the artery to combine with blood to form hybrid nanofluid (HNF). The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is deployed for the solution of nonlinear resulting equations. For the validation of this current work, the results of the existing work have been compared with our proposed model results. A comparison of key profiles like velocity, temperature, wall shear stress, and flow rate is also performed at a specific critical height of the stenosis. It is also observed that the thermal conductance of hybrid nanofluids is greater than that of nanofluids. Including the hybrid nanoparticles (copper and aluminum oxide) inside the blood enhances the blood axial velocity. These simulations are applicable to the magnetic targeting treatment of stenosed artery disorders and the diffusion of nanodrugs. Full article

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) present a formidable public health concern due to their propensity for localized, anomalous expansion of the abdominal aorta. These insidious dilations, often in their early stages, mask the life-threatening potential for rupture, which carries a grave prognosis. Understanding the hemodynamic intricacies governing AAAs is paramount for predicting aneurysmal growth and the imminent risk of rupture. Objective: Our extensive investigation delves into this complex hemodynamic environment intrinsic to AAAs, utilizing comprehensive numerical analyses of the physiological pulsatile blood flow and realistic boundary conditions to explore the multifaceted dynamics influencing aneurysm rupture risk. Our study introduces novel elements by integrating these parameters into the overall context of aneurysm pathophysiology, thus advancing our understanding of the intricate mechanics governing their evolution and rupture. Methods: Conservation of mass and momentum equations are used to model the blood flow in an AAAs, and these equations are solved using a finite volume-based ANSYS Fluent solver. Resistance pressure outlets following a three-element Windkessel model were imposed at each outlet to accurately model the blood flow and the AAAs’ shear stress. Results: Our results uncover elevated blood flow velocities within an aneurysm, suggesting an augmented risk of future rupture due to increased stress in the aneurysm wall. During the systole phase, high wall shear stress (WSS) was observed, typically associated with a lower risk of rupture, while a low oscillatory shear index (OSI) was noted, correlating with a decreased risk of aneurysm expansion. Conversely, during the diastole phase, low WSS and a high OSI were identified, potentially weakening the aneurysm wall, thereby promoting expansion and rupture. Conclusion: Our study underscores the indispensable role of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring realms of AAAs. This body of research significantly advances our understanding of aneurysm pathophysiology, thus offering pivotal insights into the intricate mechanics underpinning their progression and rupture, informing clinical interventions and enhancing patient care. Full article

In 2021, approximately 51% of patients diagnosed with kidney tumors underwent surgical resections. One possible way to reduce complications from surgery is to minimise the associated blood loss, which, in the case of partial nephrectomy, is caused by the inadequate repair of branching arteries within the kidney cut during the tumor resection. The kidney vasculature is particularly complicated in nature, consisting of various interconnecting blood vessels and numerous bifurcation, trifurcation, tetrafurcation, and pentafurcation points. In this study, we present a mathematical lumped-parameter model of a whole kidney, assuming a non-Newtonian Carreau fluid, as a first approximation of estimating the blood loss arising from the cutting of single or multiple vessels. It shows that severing one or more blood vessels from the kidney vasculature results in a redistribution of the blood flow rates and pressures to the unaltered section of the kidney. The model can account for the change in the total impedance of the vascular network and considers a variety of multiple cuts. Calculating the blood loss for numerous combinations of arterial cuts allows us to identify the appropriate surgical protocols required to minimise blood loss during partial nephrectomy as well as enhance our understanding of perfusion and account for the possibility of cellular necrosis. This model may help renal surgeons during partial organ resection in assessing whether the remaining vascularisation is sufficient to support organ viability. Full article

The present study develops a numerical model, which is the most complex one, in comparison to previous research to investigate drug delivery accompanied by the anti-angiogenesis effect. This paper simulates intravascular blood flow and interstitial fluid flow using a dynamic model. The model accounts for the non-Newtonian behavior of blood and incorporates the adaptation of the diameter of a heterogeneous microvascular network derived from modeling the evolution of endothelial cells toward a circular tumor sprouting from two-parent vessels, with and without imposing the inhibitory effect of angiostatin on a modified discrete angiogenesis model. The average solute exposure and its uniformity in solid tumors of different sizes are studied by numerically solving the convection-diffusion equation. Three different methodologies are considered for simulating anti-angiogenesis: modifying the capillary network, updating the transport properties, and considering both microvasculature and transport properties modifications. It is shown that anti-angiogenic therapy decreases drug wash-out in the periphery of the tumor. Results show the decisive role of microvascular structure, particularly its distribution, and interstitial transport properties modifications induced via vascular normalization on the quality of drug delivery, such that it is improved by 39% in uniformity by the second approach in R = 0.2 cm. Full article