Abstract
Hematocrit distribution and red blood cell aggregation are the major determinants of blood flow in narrow tubes at low flow rates. It has been observed experimentally that in microcirculation the hematocrit distribution is not uniform. This nonuniformity may result from plasma skimming and cell screening effects and also from red cell sedimentation. The goal of the present study is to understand the effect of nonaxisymmetric hematocrit distribution on the flow of human and cat blood in small blood vessels of the microcirculation. Blood vessels are modeled as circular cylindrical tubes. Human blood is described by Quemada's rheological model, in which local viscosity is a function of both the local hematocrit and a structural parameter that is related to the size of red blood cell aggregates. Cat blood is described by Casson's model. Eccentric hematocrit distribution is considered such that the axis of the cylindrical core region of red cell suspension is parallel to the axis of the blood vessel but not coincident. The problem is solved numerically by using finite element method. The calculations predict nonaxisymmetric distribution of velocity and shear stress in the blood vessel and the increase of apparent viscosity with increasing eccentricity of the core.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
