Arterial Flow and Transport

Research project P 14321 Arterial Flow and Transport Karl PERKTOLD 08.05.2000 The understanding of fluid dynamics and of mass transport in large arteries and in the artery wall is of substantial importance because there is evidence that the occurring phenomena are implicated in the genesis and development of arterial diseases. Consequently, it is important to study the flow effect and the transport processes under physiological and patho-physiological conditions. The study of hemodynamics and of transport processes in local regions of the vascular system is world-wide a field of research. Mathematical modeling and the use of computer simulation of the processes enable an effective approach. The proposed research work concentrates on the anatomically correct modeling of complex, irregular arterial flow domains and on the simulation of the influence of different arterial flow patterns on the transport of dissolved gases and of macromolecules in the arteries and in the layers of the artery wall taking into account the interactions between different physiological levels. Directly related to the arterial flow and mass transport studies under different conditions is the analysis of the fluid-structure-interaction effects resulting from blood vessel deformation and dynamics, occurring during the pulse cycle due to the mechanical vessel wall properties and occuring during the cardiac cycle due to the heart motion. The geometric model data (MRI-data, angiographic and intravascular ultrasound data) are available in the framework of scientific cooperations. The mathematical modeling of the processes yield equations, mostly in large parameter range. Innovative studies require the consideration of interactions of the systems at different physiological levels. Studies so far which consider the interaction of the systems are very limited. To include interactions in the analysis substantial numerical developments are necessary. The proposed research work will be carried out in the framework of an EUREKA-Project.