Unsteady Three-Dimension Flow in Curved Distensible Tubes

Abstract

The main objective of our current study is to investigate the impact of wall distensibility and wall motion of the aortic arch on the unsteady flow field and the resulting shear on the wall. There are currently very few computational studies in the literature that incorporate unsteady three-dimensional flow solutions with fluid-wall interactions. A major motivation for the present work is its application to fluid flow in the aortic arch where early atherosclerotic lesions important in the development of cardiovascular disease are found. The inability of researchers to precisely and accurately characterize fluid flow in blood vessels, has impeded elucidation of the link between fluiddynamics and vascular disease. The present paper is intended to serve as a part of the foundation for future studies modelling the cardiovascular system which will include the realistic geometry and physiological conditions.