A two-system, single-analysis, fluid-structure interaction technique for modelling abdominal aortic aneurysms

This work reports on the implementation and validation of a two-system, single-analysis, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) technique that uses the finite volume (FV) method for performing simulations on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) geometries. This FSI technique, which was implemented in OpenFOAM, included fluid and solid mesh motion and incorporated a non-linear material model to represent AAA tissue. Fully implicit coupling was implemented, ensuring that both the fluid and solid domains reached convergence within each time step. The fluid and solid parts of the FSI code were validated independently through comparison with experimental data, before performing a complete FSI simulation on an idealized AAA geometry. Results from the FSI simulation showed that a vortex formed at the proximal end of the aneurysm during systolic acceleration, and moved towards the distal end of the aneurysm during diastole. Wall shear stress (WSS) values were found to peak at both the proximal and distal ends of the aneurysm and remain low along the centre of the aneurysm. The maximum von Mises stress in the aneurysm wall was found to be 408kPa, and this occurred at the proximal end of the aneurysm, while the maximum displacement of 2.31 mm occurred in the centre of the aneurysm. These results were found to be consistent with results from other FSI studies in the literature.     

A comparison of the measured and predicted flowfield in a patient-specific model of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Numerical simulation is increasingly being used to predict the flowfield within patient-specific geometries of abdominal aortic aneurysms under physiologically realistic flow conditions. This paper reports on a comparison between the flowfield measured in vitro within a patient-specific model of a mature abdominal aortic aneurysm and that predicted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Visualization and traverses of axial velocity were obtained at a number of locations in the aneurysm region under both steady and physiologically realistic pulsatile flow conditions. Comparisons between the measured and predicted flowfield show good agreement throughout the aneurysm. Although turbulence was observed distal in the aneurysm during late diastole, best agreement was achieved using a simple laminar flow model.     

多级离心泵转子的流固耦合特性及试验分析

针对高功率密度液体多级离心泵的高速化发展带来的流固耦合及临界转速等问题,根据流固耦合计算方法,并应用Ansys软件系统对流场网格进行划分和边界条件设定,然后进行数值模拟计算。计算结果表明:首级叶轮到后部末级叶轮应力、应变和变形呈增大趋势,这符合多级泵叶轮受力分布的实际情况,流固耦合相对于重力来说发挥了更显著的作用。可以看出流固耦合后转子固有频率降低,并且阶数越高,下降幅度越大,旋转软化效应对第一阶弯振影响较小,而对二、三、四阶的影响逐渐增强,且随转速均匀增加,弯振频率均匀变化。试验测试结果与仿真结果具有较好的一致性,反映了仿真数据的正确性。     

Reverse engineering in the construction of numerical simulation oriented patient-specific model of stented aortic arch aneurysm

Patient-specific models are widely used in hemodynamic simulations. The flow in the boundary layer changes so strongly that fine meshes in the boundary layer are required in numerical simulations, especially for the calculation of wall shear stress and its gradient. To precisely analyze hemodynamics, it is necessary to investigate the approaches to the reconstruction of a numerical simulation-oriented patient-specific model for aortic arch aneurysm that can perform particular meshing in the boundary layer. Based on a surface model of aortic arch aneurysm in STL format, reverse engineering concept was applied to reconstruct a solid model using CAD software Geomagic and Pro/E, and a simplified model of stent for the intervention of aortic arch aneurysm was also created. After these models were imported to ANSYS, a block modeling approach was employed to divide the whole model into several domain blocks to adopt different meshing strategies. Particular meshing was performed especially in the boundary layer and around the stents. The finite element model particularly suitable for numerical simulation of hemodynamics was obtained. Hemodynamic simulation was performed, using the constructed finite element model to verify its applicability. The results indicate that reverse engineering concept and the proposed block modeling approach can be used to divide the solid model of aortic arch aneurysm into multiple volumes, which can be meshed according to particular requirements in each volume; the finite element model of stented aortic arch aneurysm can be employed to simulate hemodynamics. The approaches of modeling were applicable not only for aortic arch aneurysm, but also for similar model reconstruction as a reference in hemodynamic simulation investigations.     

Reverse engineering in the construction of numerical simulation oriented patient-specific model of stented aortic arch aneurysm

Patient-specific models are widely used in hemodynamic simulations. The flow in the boundary layer changes so strongly that fine meshes in the boundary layer are required in numerical simulations, especially for the calculation of wall shear stress and its gradient. To precisely analyze hemodynamics, it is necessary to investigate the approaches to the reconstruction of a numerical simulation-oriented patient-specific model for aortic arch aneurysm that can perform particular meshing in the boundary layer. Based on a surface model of aortic arch aneurysm in STL format, reverse engineering concept was applied to reconstruct a solid model using CAD software Geomagic and Pro/E, and a simplified model of stent for the intervention of aortic arch aneurysm was also created. After these models were imported to ANSYS, a block modeling approach was employed to divide the whole model into several domain blocks to adopt different meshing strategies. Particular meshing was performed especially in the boundary layer and around the stents. The finite element model particularly suitable for numerical simulation of hemodynamics was obtained. Hemodynamic simulation was performed, using the constructed finite element model to verify its applicability. The results indicate that reverse engineering concept and the proposed block modeling approach can be used to divide the solid model of aortic arch aneurysm into multiple volumes, which can be meshed according to particular requirements in each volume; the finite element model of stented aortic arch aneurysm can be employed to simulate hemodynamics. The approaches of modeling were applicable not only for aortic arch aneurysm, but also for similar model reconstruction as a reference in hemodynamic simulation investigations.     

阀门流固耦合的研究进展

流固耦合现象是指流体与固体相互作用的现象,其具体表现为流体作用于固体,使之变形或位移,同时固体反作用于流体,引起流场的变化.在阀门中,当流固耦合现象达到一定程度时,会对阀门及与阀门相连的多种部件产生损伤,并最终导致阀门工作效率下降乃至失效.为更全面地认识阀门中的流固耦合现象,本文从流固耦合理论、试验方法和数值模拟3方面...     

弯管冲蚀失效流固耦合机理及数值模拟

针对流体输送管道失效研究中存在的问题,主要研究腐蚀与流体流动的交互作用对管道冲蚀破坏的作用机理。建立流固耦合数理模型,推导出在任意拉格朗日-欧拉(Arbitrary Lagrange-Euler, ALE)描述下的粘性流体N-S方程和腐蚀产物保护膜固体区域的控制方程,分析管壁边界层多相流介质流动与腐蚀产物保护膜破损之间的耦合作用。以弯管的冲蚀失效为例,结合弯管的结构特性、多相流的物性参数,运用ANSYS有限元分析软件,采用物理环境顺序耦合法进行流固耦合数值模拟,分析管壁腐蚀产物保护膜的变形程度和受力状态,判定弯管冲蚀破坏的危险区域和失效趋势;现场测厚数据与仿真计算结果基本吻合,验证仿真计算的可靠性和可行性,该方法可用于管道输送系统的风险预测、安全评估和工艺改造。     

Finite element simulation of blood flow in a flexible carotid artery bifurcation

Numerical simulations for the blood flow are carried out to investigate the effect of the flexible artery wall on the flow field and to determine the wall shear stresses in the carotid artery wall. To solve the equation of motion for the structure in typical fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems, it is necessary to calculate the fluid force on the surface of the structure explicitly. To avoid complexity due to the necessity of additional mechanical constraints, we use the combined formulation including both the fluid and structure equations of motion into a single coupled variational equation. The Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow are solved using a P2P1 Galerkin finite element method (FEM) and mesh movement is achieved using arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation. The Newmark method is employed to solve the dynamic equilibrium equations for linear elastic solid mechanics. The time-dependent, three-dimensional, incompressible flows of Newtonian fluids constrained in the flexible wall are analyzed. The study shows strongly skewed axial velocity and flow separation in the internal carotid artery (ICA). Flow separation results in locally low wall shear stress. Further, strong secondary motion in the ICA is observed.     

An investigation of the relationship between hemodynamics and thrombus deposition within patient-specific models of abdominal aortic aneurysm

The relationship between hemodynamics and thrombus deposition in abdominal aortic aneurysm is investigated for three patients (A, B and C), each with mature fusiform aneurysms. Our methodology utilises initial and follow-up computerised tomography scans for each patient to identify regions of mural thrombus growth and to provide patient-specific models for hemodynamic analysis using computational fluid dynamics. The intervals between scans for patients A, B and C were 17, 15 and 3 months, respectively. The simulations were performed using physiologically realistic boundary conditions. The hemodynamic features of the flow considered include the velocity field, the shear strain rate field, the time averaged wall shear stress and the oscillatory shear index. The parameter that showed best correlation with the location of thrombus growth was the oscillatory shear index. In particular, in the case of patient C where the interval between scans was the shortest, thrombus growth was observed at regions of low oscillatory shear index (OSI < 0.1).     

An investigation of the flow field within patient-specific models of an abdominal aortic aneurysm under steady inflow conditions

The flow fields within three patient-specific models of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were investigated under steady laminar inflow conditions over a range of Reynolds numbers. Each model extended from the renal arteries to downstream of the iliac bifurcation. The aneurysms (referred to as models A, B, and C) are mature, with D/d ratios of 1.83, 1.57, and 1.95 respectively. The mass flowrates in each of the iliac arteries were equal. Using flow visualization it was observed that the flow proximally in the aneurysm was characterized by a primary jet that separated from either the posterior wall or the lateral wall or both, producing large recirculating zones. The primary jet impinged either normally or obliquely upon the anterior or right lateral wall in the distal half of the aneurysm, the flow distally in the aneurysm having been greatly disturbed. Measurements of the turbulence intensity along the median lumen centre-line showed that in each model the onset of transition and full turbulence occurred at Reynolds numbers much lower than those previously measured in idealized models. Computational fluid dynamics showed substantial differences in the velocity and stress fields when using the shear stress transport turbulence model as opposed to a laminar viscous model. It was also observed that turbulence was largely produced along the shear layers surrounding the primary jet and, in particular, at interfaces between the jet and the recirculating zones. In conclusion, turbulence may be expected to exist at Reynolds numbers typically encountered within an AAA, and it must be taken account of in an analysis of the flow field.     

A fluid-structure interaction analysis on hemodynamics in carotid artery based on patient-specific clinical data

The hemodynamics of the carotid artery was numerically investigated with an approach of fluid-structure interaction (FSI). To predict the blood flow and arterial deformation of carotid artery, a framework for the FSI analysis was developed by coupling computational fluid dynamics and structural analysis. Using this framework, the hemodynamics of the carotid artery was simulated with the patientspecific clinical data of the arterial geometry, pulsatile blood flow, blood rheology and arterial deformation. It is found that the hemodynamic characteristics of the carotid artery are significantly affected by its geometric factors and flow conditions, and relatively low values of the wall shear stress were observed in the post-plaque dilated region of the carotid bifurcated area, which is known to be responsible for the growth of an atherosclerotic plaque. Since the characteristics of the blood flow in a carotid artery are also affected by the hemodynamic factors, the effects of the cardiac output, distal vascular resistance and blood viscosity on hemodynamics were also numerically analyzed.     

基于数值模拟的小孔节流空气静压轴承静动态特性研究

为了提高小孔节流空气静压轴承的静动态性能,基于流体力学和固体力学的基本控制方程,建立小孔节流空气静压轴承双向流固耦合数值模拟模型;采用静态数值模拟方法获取了设计参数对承载力和刚度的影响规律,进一步对微气膜间隙内三维流场特性进行了分析,有效降低了微气膜间隙内气体冗余现象对空气静压轴承动态稳定性的影响,并在数值计算的基础上对空气静压轴承结构和工作参数进行优化设计;在气体静压试验平台上对自行研制的空气静压轴承进行静动态特性测试。试验结果表明:所提出的数值模拟方法具有很好的预测效果;所采用的优化设计方法能够显著提升空气静压主轴的静动态特性。     

Various issues relating to computational fluid dynamics simulations of carotid bifurcation flow based on models reconstructed from three-dimensional ultrasound images

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow simulation techniques have the potential to enhance understanding of how haemodynamic factors are involved in atherosclerosis. Recently, three-dimensional ultrasound has emerged as an alternative to other three-dimensional imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The method can be used to generate accurate vascular geometry suitable for CFD simulations and can be coupled with Doppler ultrasound to provide physiologically realistic flow boundary conditions. However, there are various ways to utilize the flow data acquired, possibly leading to different results regarding both flow and wall shear stress patterns. A disadvantage of three-dimensional ultrasound for imaging the carotid bifurcation has been established as being the scanning limitation of the jawbone position. This may make artificial extensions of the internal and/or external carotid arteries necessary, which in turn may influence the predicted flow patterns. Flow simulations were carried out for three outflow calculation schemes as well as four geometries with different extensions to the carotid daughter vessels. It was found that variation of flow patterns was more strongly influenced by the outflow conditions than by the extensions of the daughter vessels. Consequently, it is recommended that for future CFD simulations of carotid flow using three-dimensional ultrasound data, the outflow boundary conditions should rely on the most accurate measurement available, and flow data recorded in the common and internal carotid are considered more reliable than data from the external carotid. Even though the extended lengths of the daughter vessels have insignificant effects on the predicted haemodynamic parameters, it would be a safer option to extend the internal carotid by approximately three times the diameter of the common carotid artery.     

离心泵叶轮流固耦合分析

基于流固耦合原理对离心泵叶轮进行结构分析,采用多物理场协同仿真平台ANSYS Workbench,基于单向流固耦合技术对离心泵叶轮结构进行了仿真计算,获得了离心泵叶轮在不同工况下的等效应力及变形情况,分析了叶轮最大等效应力和最大总变形随流量的变化情况。结果表明,各工况下叶轮应力分布不均且存在局部应力集中;叶轮变形的总位移随半径的增大不断变大,并在叶轮边缘达到最大值。叶轮最大等效应力随流量的增加不断减小,在0.4倍设计流量工况下最大为10.581MPa;叶轮最大总变形随流量的增加先减小后增大,在设计流量工况下最小为0.0028669mm。计算结果对离心泵叶轮的结构优化设计提供了数值依据。     

Cyclic flow characteristics in an idealized asymmetric abdominal aortic aneurysm model

The flow characteristics and the corresponding hydrodynamic stability in an idealized asymmetric abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model have been investigated using a laser Doppler anemometer. A rectified sine waveform was used to simulate aortic flow conditions (Re(delta) = 806 and alpha = 12.2). The flow around the distal neck of the AAA model undergoes transition and becomes turbulent for a fraction of time shortly after the commencement of the deceleration phases at every flow cycle while the rest of the flow inside the model stayed laminar throughout the cycle. As a result of non-symmetric vortical structure development inside the model, the distribution of turbulent shear stresses was found to be highly uneven along the radial direction of the model; this is in contrast to results found by the present authors in the symmetrical AAA model. The maximum turbulent shear stress found at the straight side of the distal neck are four times more than the maximum turbulent shear stress measured at the most dilated side of the distal neck. One of the interesting biological implications of the results is that the outward dilation of the arterial wall may be a physiological response to avoid the high turbulent shear load from the momentarily turbulent blood flow.     

基于动网格的液压缸双向流固耦合分析

针对液压缸偏载引起的结构磨损及液压油泄漏等问题,基于动网格方法,开展了偏载工况下液压缸的双向流固耦合分析。研究表明：在自锁半径内,随偏载量增大,柱塞与导向套间的侧推力、柱塞最大侧倾位移和导向套应力均增大,偏载量超过自锁半径时,三者都有所减小,但均比稳态分析结果大,表明液压油对柱塞侧倾有“加剧”作用。因此,在液压缸偏载分析设计中,建议采用流固耦合方法,或适当增大稳态分析结果的安全系数。     

Dynamic stress of impeller blade of shaft extension tubular pump device based on bidirectional fluid-structure interaction

Current research on the stability of tubular pumps is mainly concerned with the transient hydrodynamic characteristics. However, the structural response under the influence of fluid-structure interaction hasn’t been taken fully into consideration. The instability of the structure can cause vibration and cracks, which may threaten the safety of the unit. We used bidirectional fluid-structure interaction to comprehensively analyze the dynamic stress characteristics of the impeller blades of the shaft extension tubular pump device. Furthermore, dynamic stress of impeller blade of shaft extension tubular pump device was solved under different lift conditions of 0° blade angle. Based on Reynolds-average N-S equation and SST k-ω turbulence model, numerical simulation was carried out for three-dimensional unsteady incompressible turbulent flow field of the pump device whole flow passage. Meanwhile, the finite element method was used to calculate dynamic characteristics of the blade structure. The blade dynamic stress distribution was obtained on the basis of fourth strength theory. The research results indicate that the maximum blade dynamic stress appears at the joint between root of inlet side of the blade suction surface and the axis. Considering the influence of gravity, the fluctuation of the blade dynamic stress increases initially and decreases afterwards within a rotation period. In the meantime, the dynamic stress in the middle part of inlet edge presents larger relative fluctuation amplitude. Finally, a prediction method for dynamic stress distribution of tubular pump considering fluid-structure interaction and gravity effect was proposed. This method can be used in the design stage of tubular pump to predict dynamic stress distribution of the structure under different operating conditions, improve the reliability of pump impeller and analyze the impeller fatigue life.     

Analysis of blood flow interacted with leaflets in MHV in view of fluid-structure interaction

Interaction of blood flow and leaflet behavior in a bileaflet mechanical heart valve was investigated using computational analysis. Blood flows of a Newtonian fluid and a non-Newtonian fluid with Carreau model were modeled as pulsatile, laminar, and incompressible. A finite volume computational fluid dynamics code and a finite element structure dynamics code were used concurrently to solve the flow and structure equations, respectively, where the two equations were strongly coupled. Physiologic ventricular and aortic pressure waveforms were used as flow boundary conditions. Flow fields, leaflet behaviors, and shear stresses with time were obtained for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid cases. At the fully opened phase three jets through the leaflets were found and large vortices were present in the sinus area. At the very final stage of the closing phase, the angular velocity of the leaflet was enormously large. Large shear stress was found on leaflet tips and in the orifice region between two leaflets at the final stage of closing phase. This method using fluid-structure interaction turned out to be a useful tool to analyze the different designs of existing and future bileaflet valves.     

高压节流阀节流特征及流固耦合失效分析

以川东北地区高压裂缝性气藏开发钻井现场普遍使用的楔形节流阀为例,分析开度与节流面积、节流压降、流体速度的关系,并依据伯努利方程建立节流压降与开度、流体密度、进口流量的数学模型,采用workbench流固耦合数值模拟方法,对所述条件下的节流阀内部流场和阀芯应力分布对比分析。结果表明,楔形节流阀节流能力随开度的增大迅速减小,随流体密度、进口流量的增大而增大,在一定开度下,由于阀腔内流体的高速流动,阀芯变径台阶面与轴销连接孔位置处出现应力集中,同时阀芯节流面附近有明显漩涡产生,引起阀芯振动,容易导致断裂失效;当开度较小时,节流效果显著,含固相颗粒的流体容易造成节流阀堵塞,且高速流体对阀座冲刷引起刺漏,该分析结果与现场节流阀失效情况十分吻合。     

Wall expansion assessment of an intracranial aneurysm model by a 3D Digital Image Correlation System

Intracranial aneurysm is a local dilatation of an intracranial artery with high risk of rupture and death. Although it is generally accepted that the weakening of the arterial wall is the main cause for the rupture of an aneurysm, it still no consensus about the reasons for its creation, expansion and rupture. In particular, what is the role played by the blood flow in these phenomena. In this way, the aim of this work is the in vitro mechanical assessment of the wall expansion, namely the displacements, deformations and strains occurring in a saccular intracranial aneurysm model, when subjected to different flow rates. To obtain new insights into the mechanisms involved in the aneurysm rupture, a 3D-Vic™ Digital Image Correlation System was used and validated with a finite element analysis. The wall expansion results have revealed that the displacements, deformations and principal strains are directly related to the internal pressure caused by the fluid on the wall of the aneurism. These findings were especially observed in the weakened areas of the aneurysm model, where the wall was thinner. Furthermore, the technique used in this study has shown to be a potential method to validate numerical simulations of aneurysms, allowing the future performance of more complex and realistic haemodynamic studies.