Numerical simulation of blood flow through the aortic arch

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death for humans in the last decade. Understanding of the fluid flow through the aortic arch, flow properties and the influence of the blood flow on aorta’s wall to make better predictions on the progress of disease. The geometric model of aortic arch is created from the series of CT scans, so that 3D model is generated. Finite-volume method is used for discretization of the equations describing blood flow. Velocity profiles, flow structure, creation of secondary and reverse flow, pressure drop on different control volumes of aortic arch are shown. Relation between the secondary flow and aortic arteriosclerosis development is confirmed. The phenomena of reverse flow in certain moment of cardiac cycle, given by the numerical simulations, coincide with theoretical and experimental results. Numerical simulations are used for better understanding and prediction of conditions triggering diseases such as aortic aneurysm and arteriosclerosis. CFD could have a significant role in detection, early prediction and treatment of the diseases.