Pressure and flow in arterial aneurysms simulated in mathematical models

Abstract

Pressure and flow patterns inside 2 kinds of axis symmetric aneurysms are presented under steady flow conditions. The results are obtained by solving the axi-symmetric formulation of the non-linear Navier-Stokes equations. The technique used to solve the equation is the finite element method. The results are given at various Reynolds numbers up to 500 and displayed as pressure isobars, streamlines and velocity vectors. For the higher Reynolds numbers vortex formation in the aneurysms is demonstrated. The pressure gradient is small inside the aneurysms compared to those at the inlet and outlet tubes.