Parameter-robust multiphysics algorithms for Biot model with application in brain edema simulation

Abstract

In this paper, we develop parameter-robust numerical algorithms for Biot model and apply the algorithms in brain edema simulations. By introducing an intermediate variable, we derive a multiphysics reformulation of the Biot model. Based on the reformulation, the Biot model is viewed as a generalized Stokes subproblem combining with a reaction–diffusion subproblem. Solving the two subproblems together or separately leads to a coupled or a decoupled algorithm. We conduct extensive numerical experiments to show that the two algorithms are robust with respect to the key physical parameters. The algorithms are applied to study the brain swelling caused by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in injured areas. The effects of the key physical parameters on brain swelling are carefully investigated. It is observed that the permeability has the biggest influence on intracranial pressure (ICP) and tissue deformation; the Young’s modulus and the Poisson ratio do not affect the maximum value of ICP too much but have big influence on the tissue deformation and the developing speed of brain swelling.