Discrete-Phase Modelling of an Asymmetric Stenosis Artery Under Different Womersley Numbers

Abstract

Understanding the hemodynamics in the post-stenotic region of an asymmetric stenosis is of paramount importance in the study of atherosclerosis progression. Numerically, the analysis becomes more complex when a discrete phase is added to the continuous phase in order to understand the behaviour of atherogenic particles in a pulsatile flow environment. In the present study, discrete-phase modelling (DPM) of an asymmetric and symmetric stenosed artery models has been carried out at different Womersley numbers. The objective is to understand the correlation between the discrete-phase (atherogenic) particle behaviour with the characteristics of continuous phase (blood) under varying pulse frequencies. Continuous phase is modelled by time-averaged Navier Stokes equations and solved by means of pressure implicit splitting of operators algorithm. DPM has been carried out with one-way coupling. The transport equations are solved in the Eulerian frame of reference, and the discrete phase is simulated in Lagrangian frame of reference. The study brings out the importance of helicity in the atherosclerosis progression. Result shows that the asymmetric stenosis model exhibits less helical flow structure and the vortical structures are not getting transported to the downstream. Consequently, the average particle residence time (PRT) of the atherogenic particles is one order higher than the symmetric stenosis model. Low PRT leads to enhanced mass transport in the arterial flow and triggers further occlusion/plaque build-up at the post-stenotic region. The extent of asymmetry in a diseased artery may be considered as a useful parameter in understanding the rate of progression of atherosclerosis. 2018, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals.