Numerical study of blood fluid rheology in the abdominal aorta

• Published in: Transactions on ecology and the environment Vol. 114; pp. 169 - 178
• Main Authors: CARNEIRO, F, RIBEIRO, V. Gama, TEIXEIRA, J. C. F, TEIXEIRA, S. F. C. F
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Southampton WIT 01.01.2008; Boston W I T Press
• Subjects: Abdomen; Aorta; Applied sciences; Arteries; Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Bifurcations; Biological and medical sciences; Blood flow; Blood vessels and receptors; Computer simulation; Coronary vessels; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Hemodynamics. Rheology; Implants; Lesions; Mathematical models; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Non-newtonian fluid flows; Physics; Rheological properties; Rheology; Shear stress; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Surgical implants; Three dimensional models; Velocity distribution; Vertebrates: cardiovascular system; Viscosity; Wall shear stresses; Non Newtonian fluid; Human; Viscosity; Prosthesis; Rheology; Bifurcation; Modeling; Stent; Artery; Blood flow; Engineering design; Biomimetics; Recirculating flow; Atherosclerosis; Aorta; Circulatory system; Hemodynamics; Wall effect
• ISBN: 9781845641207; 1845641205
• ISSN: 1746-448X; 1743-3541
• DOI: 10.2495/DN080181

The present paper reports the numerical modelling of blood flow in the abdominal aorta. The effect of blood rheology on flow dynamics was studied in a 3D model of the abdominal aorta bifurcation into the iliac arteries using the FLUENT software. Newtonian and non-Newtonian models for the fluid viscosity have been implemented for assessing the size of the recirculation zone; velocity profile and wall shear stress distribution. A recirculation zone and low wall shear stress were observed for both cases in the vicinity of the iliac bifurcation. These are believed to play an important role in the atherosclerosis lesions. Both Newtonian and non-Newtonian simulations in the vicinity of the iliac bifurcation presented minor differences. This study provides a better understanding of atherosclerosis development in the iliac arteries bifurcation, which may improve the design of stent devices.