CFD MODEL OF BLOOD FLOW THROUGH ARTIFICIAL HEART VALVES

M. Bajgrowicz

Abstract

Artificial valve replacement is a common procedure in case of heart valve disorders treatment. The main task of this prosthesis is to generate blood flow similar to flow generated by natural, human valve. Velocity distribution depends mainly on the geometry of the valve. That is why it should be analysed and modified in case to obtain the best results. The objective of this study was to numerically investigate how geometry of valve (the maximal opening angle) influences velocity distribution behind a valve in terms of potential negative effect on blood components. For this purpose seven 2D models of artificial heart valves (AHV) with different maximal opening angle were created in Gambit. The blood flow was simulated in Ansys Fluent. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of CFD method in artificial heart valves design process. Using Ansys Fluent, it is possible to simulate flow thorough AHV and analyze blood distribution in a region close to the valve, where physical measurements are very difficult to conduct.

Keywords

CFD, artificial heart valve, blood flow simulation

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IMEKO-YSESM-2014-001.pdf

DOI

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IMEKO TC

TC15 - Experimental Mechanics

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