A new model for blood flow through an artery with axisymmetric stenosis

Abstract

Presented herein are the studies on the flow behavior of a blood type suspension through a circular tube with an axisymmetric stenosis. The suspension of the cells in plasma is represented by a layered fluid model, with a marginal cell-free layer of the suspending medium near the wall, a central core region and an annular layer of a biviscous fluid layer. It is understood that the proposed model may contribute to the inbuilt mechanism for drag reduction and prevention of the further development of the stenosis. The concept of lubricating pipe lining for transporting various industrial fluids is well represented through three-layered core-annular flows.The governing equations are solved numerically by using finite element method. The velocity fields, including separation and reattachment points, and the distribution of pressure and wall shear stresses have been brought out and discussed. The results of the analysis show that the presence of the marginal cell-free layer reduces the wall shear stresses and the length of the flow reversal zone. The non-Newtonian character of the suspension is helpful in reducing the abnormal effects of the stenosis. The model thus establishes the inbuilt character of blood for decreasing the stresses and this, in turn, reduces the load on the heart in propelling the blood.