BMEN 383 Pre Lab 4

Celine Yeung (30144006)

1. List the assumptions for a laminar pipe flow model, how do you think you would define the
boundary conditions for your computational fluid dynamic model (example geometry
constraints, inlets/outlet conditions). (2 marks)

Assumptions:

- Flow along path in layers (1D Flow along the length)

- No flow across the layers
- In the fully developed region – parabolic velocity profile and velocity is a function of radius not
the length of the pipe
- Flow is axis symmetric
- Steady state – doesn’t change with time
- Newtonian incompressible fluid
- Circular cross section
- No slip conditions - the velocity at the wall = velocity of the wall = 0 m/s (r = Radius)

Boundary conditions:

- Since this is a close conduit pipe, there must be a pressure gradient in the inlet and outlet that
drives the flow (instead of a force like gravity)
- In fully developed region
- Circular cross section
- No slip conditions - the velocity at the wall = velocity of the wall = 0 m/s (r = Radius)
- In the fully developed region, that middle (r = 0) is where the maximum velocity is (centerline
velocity)

2. Draw the expected velocity profile for the laminar flow in the healthy model. Explain why you
think this is the case. (1 marks)

Laminar flow has a parabolic profile because of viscous forces and frictional forces. The frictional forces
from the wall exert on the fluid layers near it. Because of our assumption that there is a no slip
condition, the velocity v(-R) and v(R) equal the wall velocity which is zero. The viscous forces dominate
inertial force which result velocity to be in layers/concentric circles. Since the r = 0 is the farthest point
away from the walls, its velocity is at the maximum. As you examine the layers of fluid as you get closer
to the radius of the pipe, the velocity decreases. This results in the parabolic velocity profile.

3. Assuming laminar flow, how do you expect the flow to change in a complex geometry such as
the aortic aneurysm. How do you think this will affect the shear stress? (2 marks)

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the aorta. I would expect there to be a decrease in pressure
and shear stress. Assuming there is no clotting or accumulation of mass, there should be a conservation
of mass. This means mass flow rate in = mass flow rate out. However, since the cross-sectional area is
increased, the velocity of the fluid must be decreased to adhere to conservation of mass. In viscous flow,
shear stress is directly related to velocity and viscosity. Therefore, as velocity of the fluid decreases
shear stress decreases as well. Since the abnormal aorta does not follow the assumptions we have listed
above like having circular cross-sectional area, the velocity profile is not parabolic.

4. From a control volume analysis, determine the relationship between change in pressure and
shear stress for a horizontal pipe. (2 marks)

5. Find a source discussing shear stress, sometimes called wall shear stress, as it relates to
abdominal aortic aneurysms. Why would we be interested in find shear stress in our healthy
and aneurysmal models. Cite your source. (2 marks)

We would be interested in finding the relationship between shear stress in healthy and aneurysmal
models to gain a better understanding the growth and development of abdominal aortic aneurysm, and
rupture potential. As well, by comparing the two models we can examine the difference in wall shear
stress and how it contributes to an aneurysm. It is important we understand the relationship for clinical
implications. For example, we could potentially develop treatments to modify shear stress to prevent or
slow the growth of aneurysm. As a result, we could improve the quality of life of those living with an
abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Boyd, A. J., Kuhn, D. C., Lozowy, R. J., & Kulbisky, G. P. (2016). Low wall shear stress predominates at
sites of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 63(6), 1613-1619.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2015.01.040