Design and Modeling of a Soft Artificial Heart by Using the SolidWorks and ANSYS

Abstract

Investigating the biomechanical behaviour of a soft artificial heart is a hard task as such things are very complicated in terms of both material properties and geometry. This work focused on developing, designing, modelling and analysing a new generation, low cost, easily operable, full-size, low power consumption, and durable soft artificial heart intended to replace an original heart on a parmanent basis. Numerical simulation and investigation of the artificial heart were implemented using SolidWorks 17 and ANSYS 15.7, with a Multiphysics static structural model, fluent fluid flow (CFX), and fluent fluid poly-flow (CFD) analysis systems used in order to determine the dynamic response and effects of pressurised blood on heart performance during blood flow cycles. The biomechanical modeling and analysis of the soft artificial heart were implemented using the finite element modelling in ANSYS R18.0. To improve and verify the biomechanical performance, Design Expert 11.0 software and a response surface methodology (RSM) technique were used. The simulation results showed that as maximum levels of absolute pressure were applied on the ventricles and air pressurised chambers, the performance of the heart remained secure. The results also showed that strain energy, total deformation, maximum principal elastic strain, stress and fatigue safety factors, and fatigue life all reached thier optimum values when using the SIBSTAR 103T with polyetherimide/silicone (PSN4) Nano-composite elastomers.