Computational modeling of the fluid flow and the flexible intimal flap in type B aortic dissection via a monolithic arbitrary Lagrangian/Eulerian fluid-structure interaction model

Abstract

In the present work, we perform numerical simulations of the fluid flow in type B aortic dissection (AD), accounting for the flexibility of the intimal flap. The interaction of the flow with the intimal flap is modeled using a monolithic arbitrary Lagrangian/Eulerian fluid-structure interaction model. The model relies on choosing velocity as the kinematic variable in both domains (fluid and solid) facilitating the coupling. The fluid flow velocity and pressure evolution at different locations is studied and compared against the experimental evidence and the formerly published numerical simulation results. Several tear configurations are analyzed. Details of the fluid flow in the vicinity of the tears are highlighted. Influence of the tear size upon the fluid flow and the flap deformation is discussed.

Keywords: ALE; CFD; aortic dissection; biomechanics; fluid-structure interaction; monolithic; open source; phantom.