Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation of Fluid-structure interaction applied to biological problems

In this paper, we consider the mathematical modeling and simulation of a fluid-structure interaction algorithm applied to a multiphysics application involving atherosclerotic arteries which is known to lead to health risks and mortality. More specifically, narrowing of an artery that can result from a plaque deposit causes severe reduction of the blood flow. Modeling such diseased arteries requires modeling the unsteady blood flow interacting with the compliant arterial vessel wall as well as a plaque in an efficient way. In this work, we will present a comprehensive model of these multi-physics phenomena that incorporates both geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity for the arterial wall and a non-axisymmetric plaque that interacts with unsteady blood flow. In particular, these models indicate the generation of recirculation zones at various locations near the plaque which could potentially enhance the risk of the formation of a clot. In particular, our results indicate the importance of incorporating nonlinearity both in the material and geometry in the modeling.