Numerical flow analysis in POLVAD-IMPL prosthesis model

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Numerical flow analysis in POLVAD-IMPL prosthesis model

Wojciech Bujok, Maciej Darłak, Dorota Jurkojć, Roman Kustosz

Foundation for Cardiac Surgery Development, Wolności 345a, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7494/cmms.2011.1.0335

Abstract:

Numerical analyses of flow properties for POLVAD-IMPL device equipped with Medtronic HallTM valves were performed. Steady flow conditions were assumed in all calculations. Analysis concerned the device in full filling position, with inlet and outlet valves open and steady determined flow rate was performed. The analysis of inlet angular valve position in the prosthesis connector in full filling state and outlet valve nearly closed was also performed. Mesh sensitivity analysis on calculation results was examined. Comparative analysis of angular valve position in implantable VAD construction, as well as the analysis of the construction itself, showed that it is necessary to modify the geometry due to hazardous fluid stagnation areas in blood chamber volume and irregular outflow from the chamber into the outlet connector. The construction with angular valve position of 90o (relative to the base) was characterized by the best flow conditions. However advanced analysis showed significant mesh influence on stagnation areas in the chamber. Better detection of stagnation areas was probably reached due to better mesh “resolution” in the wall vicinity. Despite of multi-million element meshes resulting with significant extension of calculation time, performing analyses with different variants of meshes seems to be important. There is a question constantly where is the “good” mesh limit and how to determine, when it is reached.

Cite as:

Bujok, W., Darłak, M., Jurkojć, D., & Kustosz, R. (2011). Numerical flow analysis in POLVAD-IMPL prosthesis model. Computer Methods in Materials Science, 11(1), 202 – 208. https://doi.org/10.7494/cmms.2011.1.0335

Article (PDF):

Keywords:

Numerical simulation, Flow analysis, Ventricular assist device, Mesh sensitivity analysis, CFD

References: