Numerical analysis of an extremity in a cold environment including counter-current arterio-venous heat exchange

Abstract

A detailed model of an extremity exposed to cold weather is developed. The extremity is depicted as a right-angle cylinder in which heat flows in both the radial and axial directions. Around the external surface, different layers of insulation may be applied through which heat is exchanged with the environment. Heat is also exchanged internally by conduction and with the flow of blood in both major blood vessels and in the vessels of the capillary bed. The model is solved by a finite difference scheme.