Pulsatile Flow Fields in a Model of Abdominal Aorta With Its Peripheral Branches

In a previous study by the authors, steady flow fields in a model of abdominal aorta with its seven peripheral branches were reported. In the present study, the some aorta model was simulated numerically with a pulsatile inlet waves for both the resting and exercise conditions. The baseline pulsatile flow field was presented in terms of velocity vectors and iso-velocity contours as well as the wall shear stress (WSS) distribution and the recirculation zones. The time-averaged behavior of the flow field represented by the fluid dynamic factors was discussed. The results were consistent with those obtained experimentally and numerically by other investigators. It was also found that under the present conditions, the steady flow behavior could adequately describe the time-averaged behavior of its corresponding pulsatile case, particularly in the regions where convective flow dominated. The present computer code may provide a platform for clinical simulations.