Experimental analysis of flow calculations based on HRCT imaging of individual bifurcations

Flow simulations in airways and arteries allow the non-invasive study of tr ansport and deposition processes in these vessel systems. Individual vessel geometries as input for such simulations are highly desirable. Computed to mography (CT) permits the acquisition of binary data to reconstruct such ge ometries. To prove the suitability of this reconstruction method, we compar ed measured with simulated velocities within model bifurcations. Particle i mage velocimetry was applied to measure flow velocities. Numerical simulati ons of these velocities were carried out by using the CT data of the same m odels as input to flow calculations (CFD). Within the resolution limits goo d agreement between measured and simulated velocities was found. For the sm allest bifurcation (tube diameter. 2 mm) the agreement was less, indicating a methodical limitation by the actual resolution of the CT-scan technique. The study showed that a combination of CT and CFD can be considered as an appropriate step towards realistic simulations of particle transportation a nd deposition in individual geometries of the respiratory or cardiovascular systems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.