An Experimental Validation Study on Vascular Flow in Thoracic Aorta and Comparison by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Newtonian Blood Flow

Numerical studies on aortic flows are highly performed by researchers. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is one of the methods to guide the blood flow in aortic structures. Multidisciplinary studies are conducted to assess vascular flow in terms of engineering and medicine with a common perspective. In this study, blood flow in the aorta is investigated by MR (Magnetic Resonance) or CT (Computed Tomography) angio images obtained retrospectively from a real and healthy individual, segmented with the support of the surgical team to create 3D models. The segmented 3D aortic model is produced by additive manufacturing. A mixture of glycerin and pure water is prepared for blood under Newtonian blood flow conditions. Viscosity and density are measured in the laboratory in accordance with body temperature. The flow rate and pressure variations at the aortic inlet, descending aorta, and the three main branches of the aorta were obtained by experimental and numerical methods using flow meters and pressure transmitters. The studies were also supported by numerical analyses, and compared with the numerical analyses. The relative error between experimental and numerical results does not exceed 10%, except for some turbulent models used in this study, for the flow rate and pressure along the cardiac cycle specified in this study. Laminar and SST k-w turbulent models are in good agreement with experimental studies. Experimental and numerical studies have provided the opportunity to examine different parameters of the aorta and aortic diseases.