Prediction of Pressure Distribution in Largely Deformed Collapsible Tube.

Abstract

A steady flow in collapsible tube as an in vitro model of the flow in the vein and the airway has been investigated. We think that the interaction between inner flow and largely deformation of collapsible tube cause it various problems. So when solving these problems, we must have simultaneous measurement to know interrelation between deformation of the tube and inner pressure which is influenced by the flow. When measuring the pressure, the sensor must be put in the collapsible tube. Because the sensor disturbs inner flow, it is difficult to know correct information. In this paper, we propose a computational method in which the measured area and shape of the tube cross-section is utilized in order to know undisturbed pressure. When largely deformed with contacting the tube wall and flow separation exists in the tube, it is found that we need to correct the method. As a result, the followings have been shown : The agreement of the experimental result with the computational one enables us to use this method for the prediction of pressure distribution along the tube.