Simulation of a pulsating flow in a pipe with local constrictions as applied to hemodynamics of blood vessels

The oscillating flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a rigid circular pipe with local constriction has been studied numerically. Fluid viscosity and density, channel diameter and constriction, as well as amplitude-frequency characteristics of the flow rate are identical to those of the blood flow in the human popliteal artery with stenosis. Reynolds number in the area of stenosis is Re approximate to 5 center dot 10(3), dimensionless pulsation frequency is Sh = 0.43 center dot 10(-3), and normalized constriction of the channel is delta = d/D = 0.4. The flow under consideration is characterized by the fact that during one oscillation period, the fluid flow rate changes direction four times. This contributes to laminar-turbulent transition when the jet discharges from a constriction throat into the main flow. Qualitative features and quantitative parameters of pulsating flow have been determined including distribution of friction stresses along the channel wall.

Automated summary

The oscillating flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a rigid circular pipe with local constriction has been numerically studied. This study is important for understanding the flow conditions and the effects of constriction in situations similar to blood flow in human arteries.