A Computer Simulation of the Blood Flow at the Aortic Bifurcation

A two-dimensional finite-difference numerical model is developed for the blood flow at the aortic bifurcation to determine the possible role of fluid dynamics in the atherogenesis. Arterial walls are assumed to be rigid, while the fluid is Newtonian. Parametric studies are performed to evaluate the effects of the area ratio, Reynolds number, corner curvatures, Womersley number, bifurcation angle and arterial pulsation on the flow and shear stresses. A high shear stress region exists on the inner wall distal to the vertex, while both high and low shear stress regions coexist along the outer wall. A temporary eddy is found along the outer wall, with more strength in the case of a higher area ratio. The results agree qualitatively with the existing experimental observations.