Numerical simulation of pulsatile turbulent flow in tapering stenosed arteries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the geometric effects and pulsatile characteristics during the stenotic flows in tapering arteries. Design/methodology/approach – The low Reynolds number k ! turbulence model is applied to describe the stenotic flows in the tapering arteries in this paper. The results are divided into two sections. The first section characterizes the geometric effects on the turbulent flow under steady condition. The second section illustrates the key physiological parameters including the pressure drop and wall stress during the periodic cycle of the pulsatile flow in the arteries. Findings – The tapering and stenoses severity intensify the turbulent flow and stretch the recirculation zones in the turbulent arterial flow. The wall shear stress, pressure drop and velocity vary most intensively at the peak phase during the periodic cycle of the pulsatile turbulent flow. Originality/value – This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the spatial-temporal fluid dynamics involved in turbulent and transitional arterial flow with stenoses. The low Reynolds number k ! turbulence model method is applied for the analyses of the geometric effects on the arterial flow and fluid feature during the periodic cycle.