FINITE-ELEMENT COMPUTATIONS OF 2-DIMENSIONAL ARTERIAL FLOW IN THE PRESENCE OF A TRANSVERSE MAGNETIC-FIELD

A finite element solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for steady fl ow under the magnetic effect through a double-branched two-dimensional section of a three-dimensional model of the canine aorta is discussed . The numerical scheme involves transforming the physical co-ordinates to a curvilinear boundary-fitted co-ordinate system. The shear stress at the wall is calculated for a Reynolds number of 1000 with the bran ch-to-main aortic flow rate ratio as a parameter. The results are comp ared with earlier works involving experimental data and found to be in reasonable qualitative agreement. The steady flow, shear stress and b ranch flow under the effect of a magnetic field have been discussed in detail.