CFD Simulation of Abdominal Aortic Flow Using Mesh Morphing Approach

Date
2025-01-27
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Abstract

The life-threatening condition known as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta, which frequently results in rupture if left untreated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have become useful tools for improving clinical decision-making and comprehending the biomechanical environment of aneurysms, especially when combined with patient-specific modeling. Traditional CFD techniques, such as rigid wall assumptions cannot adequately capture the dynamic behavior of the aorta. On the other hand, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models require precise estimates of local wall properties in order to be physiologically relevant. This work bridges the gap between rigid and FSI models while preserving computational efficiency by introducing a novel dynamic mesh morphing technique that integrates aortic wall motion into CFD simulations. The study's objectives were, first, to develop and validate a moving mesh technique for integrating wall motion into CFD simulations, and second, to assess the variations in hemodynamic descriptors between dynamic and rigid wall assumptions. Simulations were carried out using imaging-derived patient-specific geometries to evaluate the effect of dynamic wall behavior on important parameters like time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS). The results demonstrated the added realism of including wall dynamics by demonstrating that the dynamic model captured critical wall motion and deformation patterns that were not present in rigid wall assumptions. These variations were especially noticeable in areas with complex flow patterns or high strain, highlighting how crucial dynamic modeling is to represent AAA hemodynamics accurately. This thesis highlights the significance of incorporating realistic aortic wall motion into CFD simulations to enhance the understanding of AAA pathophysiology. While the results showed minimal differences in the dynamic versus rigid wall simulations, the differences were more pronounced in correspondence with areas of high strain, possibly on account of local wall degeneration. The dynamic mesh technique offers a tool to incorporate local dynamic information and overcome the drawbacks of existing modeling approaches. Future studies could investigate this method's clinical application in more detail, extending its use to other vascular regions and conditions and improving the assumptions made about boundary conditions to increase predictive accuracy.

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Keywords
Computational fluid dynamics, Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Dynamic wall modeling, Wall shear stress, Patient-specific modeling
Citation
Hassaniazar Daryani, A. (2025). CFD simulation of abdominal aortic flow using mesh morphing approach (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.