A COMPUTER SIMULATION MODEL OF FLUID FLOW THROUGH A CHANNEL WITH CONSTRICTION

Presented by LT Tom Dean, USN

Abstract: Computer simulation is a valuable tool for the research of physics. It can provide a model for developing new theory and designs with great flexibility but without the time and expense associated with physical prototype design. These simulations can be especially valuable when there is experimental data available that can be used to validate the model. The main objective of this thesis is to determine whether a computer simulation model can accurately depict the experimentally-determined fluid flow for a channel with a series of unique individual constrictions. The experimental data is derived from a scaled up model of coronary blood flow with axisymmetric constrictions (or stenoses), representing an ideal case of atherosclerotic disease. This provides the foundation for future study and simulation to develop a microelectromechanical device mounted on a stent capable of sensing and transmitting changes in blood flow characteristics and properties to an outside receiver for improved treatment of patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.