Finite element analysis of the fluid-structure interaction in a compliant vessel

유연 혈관에서 유체-고체 상호작용에 대한 유한요소 해석

Flow through compliant tubes with linear taper in wall thickness is numerically simulated by finite element analysis. Two models are examined: a planar two-dimensional channel, and an axisymmetric tube. For verification of the numerical method, flow through a compliant stenotic vessel is simulated and compared to existing experimental data. Computational results for an axisymmetric tube show that as cross-sectional area falls with a reduction in downstream pressure, flow rate increases and reaches a maximum when the speed index (mean velocity divided by wave speed) is near unity at the point of minimum cross-section area, indicative of wave speed flow limitation or "choking" (flow speed equals wave speed) in previous one-dimensional studies. For further reductions in downstream pressure, flow rate decreases. Cross-sectional narrowing is significant but localized. When the ratio of downstream-to-upstream wall thickness is ${\le}$ 2 the area throat is located near the downstream end; as wall taper is increased to ${\ge}$ 3 the constriction moves to the upstream end of the tube. In the planar two-dimensional channel, area reduction and flow limitation are also observed when outlet pressure is decreased. In contrast to the axisymmetric case, however, the elastic wall in the two-dimensional channel forms a smooth concave surface with the area throat located near the mid-point of the elastic wall. Though flow rate reaches a maximum and then falls, the flow does not appear to be choked.