Embedded Files
Key Tech: Star-CCM+
Date: Spring 2025
View of Aorta
Anterior Heart View
Project Goal
In this solo project, the goal was to determine the effects of a stenosis in the aortia of a lamb's heart through:
Performing a dissection to get initial measurements
Constructing a 2D model in Star-CCM+
Defining CFD parameters
Running simulations and analyzing results
Setup and Methodology
Literature was consulted to obtain values not found from the dissection (e.g. typical lamb aortic length and taper)
To simulate the stenosis, a 50% diameter reduction over ~2 cm was implemented ~10 cm from the aortic arch
A final mesh size of 0.2 mm was selected to balance detail and simulation time
Boundary conditions for inlet velocity and outlet pressure were set
Geometry of the Normal and Stenosed Aortas in Star-CMM+
Comparison of Visual Grid Detail and Residual Convergence Due to Mesh Size
Pressure Distribution
Streamlines
Results
Using the data from the simulation, the Reynolds number was calculated along various points to ensure the occurance of laminar flow
Streamlines were analyzed to demonstrate the flow compressing as the aotra narrows
Pressure distribution plots show the resulting low-pressure zone following the stenosis
Wall shear stress (WSS) plots highlighted the stark increase due to the stenosis
Probe points along the normal and stenosised aorta showed the expected parabolic velocity profiles, no-slip condition at the walls, as well as flatter profiles when boundary layers had not yet converged
Comparison of Velocity Profiles Between Normal and Stenosed Aorta
Translational Effects on Health
Low WSS zones promote plaque buildup (Atherosclerosis)
As plaque grows, interaction with high WSS zones triggers rupture and clottage at the site
Alternatively, hardened buildup can be simply broken off and cause blockage downstream
In both cases, bloodflow is restricted causing tissue damage
Stenosis Effects on WSS (Image Source)
Stenosis Effects on WSS
Stenosis Effects on WSS
Full Report with Professor Feedback
graded_CFD_Project_MCG3143_Mathieu_Rancourt.pdfPage updated
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