Influence of Non‐newtonian Flow Behavior on Local Hemodynamics

Source abstract

Abstract The influence of non‐Newtonian blood flow in large arteries is studied numerically. The model studies are carried out to demonstrate the shear thinning effect at increased shear rates resulting from the reversible destruction of red blood cell aggregates and to show basic viscoelastic effects. The mathematical models considered use the conservation of momentum and of mass and constitutive relations describing the shear thinning behavior and relations of Jeffreys type (Oldroyd‐B model). The numerical approach applies the finite element method. The non‐Newtonian inelastic effects are demonstrated in a curved tube model and in an anatomically and physiologically realistic artery bifurcation model. The viscoelastic flow study is carried out using an axisymmetric tube with a local constriction modeling a stenosed blood vessel. The assumption of physiologically realistic shear thinning behavior shows a minor quantitative influence on local flow patterns compared with Newtonian reference flow.