Characterizing pulsatile blood flow in a specific carotid bifurcation: insights into hemodynamics and rheology models

Abstract

This study uses laminar and turbulent flow models to investigate the blood flow dynamics in a specific carotid bifurcation. Pulsatile boundary conditions and the rigid carotid artery wall are considered. Three viscosity models describe the non-Newtonian blood behavior. The Fluent solver and the finite volume method solve the equations. Results show a Poiseuille-like flow in the common carotid artery (CCA), unaffected by the flow regime, viscosity model, or boundary conditions. The branching zone exhibits a C-shaped stagnation zone with low velocity and wall shear stress due to the CCA widening and ICA/ECA curvature. Strong secondary flow is observed in the carotid sinus; the flow is directed towards the inner wall with higher velocity in the internal carotid artery. Discrepancies between viscosity models are pronounced in laminar flow, particularly with the natural boundary conditions. The non-Newtonian blood behavior is more apparent in the laminar flow of the external carotid artery, especially with the second set of boundary conditions.