Generalized finite difference method for 3-D viscous flow in stenotic tubes with large wall deformation and collapse

A numerical method using generalized finite differences (GFD) and a three-d imensional computational model with fluid-wall interactions are introduced to investigate viscous flow icl stenotic elastic tubes with large wall defo rmation and collapse. The computational model is based on an in vitro exper imental set-up simulating artery collapse and blood Row in carotid arteries with stenoses. The Navier-Stokes equations are used as the governing equat ions for the fluid while a thin-shell theory is used for the wall model. Us e of the unstructured GFD method and an incremental boundary iteration tech nique makes it possible to handle critical flow conditions with large veloc ity and pressure gradients and fluid-structure interactions with large defo rmation and wall collapse. The computational model and numerical method are validated by available analytic solutions;nd experimental data. Results ob tained may provide useful information for early detection, prevention and d iagnosis of related arterial diseases. (C) 2001 IMACS. Published by Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.