FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF 2 DIMENSIONAL STEADY FLOW IN MODEL ARTERIAL BIFURCATION

The purpose of this investigation is to determine theoretically the fluid dynamic field in models of common iliac arterial bifurcation and to identify the flow features which might influence the predominant occurrence of atherosclerotic lesions at such sites. This has been accomplished by numerically simulating fluid flow through 90 degree symmetric bifurcations with branch-to-trunk area ratios of 0. 8-1. 414 and for Reynolds numbers ranging from 100 to 400. The analysis predicts flow reversal along the outer wall in models with area ratios over unity for high Reynolds number range, while no flow reversal occurred in models with area ratio below unity; a low shear zone along the outer wall and high shear stresses at the divider lip. Biological implication of the results is discussed.