Non-Newtonian pulsatile blood flow dynamics around a Y-junction

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major concerns of the present age. Atherosclerosis, heart blockage, heart failing are very common of them which are caused by plaque formation in the T-and Y-shaped junctions of blood vessels. At the present study concentration has been focused on the studies of pulsatile non-Newtonian flow behavior through Y-junction for unit flow ratio experimentally and numerically. Pulsatile flow similar to external iliac vein has been generated using gear pump. Four pressure sensors have been inserted two at the upstream and two at the downstream points to visualize the pressure condition. 50% (w/w) glycerin-water solution has been selected as working fluid as its density and viscosity are very much similar to blood-matrix. Numerical simulation has been accomplished by Ansys Fluent 14.5 software where Carreau model has been used to characterize the non-Newtonian flow behavior of blood-matrix. X-velocity contour, Z-vorticity contour, pressure wave form and vector plot have been studied in details. Those results can be used to predict the flow behavior through veins and arteries and to detect the recirculation zone.Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major concerns of the present age. Atherosclerosis, heart blockage, heart failing are very common of them which are caused by plaque formation in the T-and Y-shaped junctions of blood vessels. At the present study concentration has been focused on the studies of pulsatile non-Newtonian flow behavior through Y-junction for unit flow ratio experimentally and numerically. Pulsatile flow similar to external iliac vein has been generated using gear pump. Four pressure sensors have been inserted two at the upstream and two at the downstream points to visualize the pressure condition. 50% (w/w) glycerin-water solution has been selected as working fluid as its density and viscosity are very much similar to blood-matrix. Numerical simulation has been accomplished by Ansys Fluent 14.5 software where Carreau model has been used to characterize the non-Newtonian flow behavior of blood-matrix. X-velocity contour, Z-vorticity contour, pressure wave form and vector plot have been s...