3D simulation of primary thrombus formation based on Level Set Methods

Abstract

The simulation of thrombosis is a popular research topic recently. Since Level Set Methods have well developed in fluid flow simulation, this paper presents a 3D simulation of primary thrombus formation based on Level Set Methods. A hybrid model including a macroscale model and a microscale model is built to simulate the flow, adhesion, and aggregation of platelets. The macroscale model is based on Navier-Stokes equations and the microscale model is described as external force and viscosity increase of platelets. By this simulation we observe the process of primary thrombus formation and analyze the effect of Reynolds Number (Re) to the formation rate. The results show that the formation rate increases with Re rise and this phenomenon becomes significant when Re is larger than the normal average Re of vessels which is a threshold value.