A combined fictitious domain/adaptive meshing method for fluid-structure interaction in heart valves

R. Loon, van, P.D. Anderson, J. Hart, de, F.P.T. Baaijens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

102 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A new approach for modelling the fluid-structure interaction of flexible heart valves is proposed. Using a finite element method, a Lagrangian description of a non-linear solid and an Eulerian description of a fluid are coupled by a Lagrange multiplier. This multiplier allows the solid and fluid mesh to be non-conform. Solid displacements and fluid velocities are described well in such a fictitious domain approach. However, the accuracy of pressures and shear stresses in the vicinity of the solid are poor. Therefore an inexpensive mesh-adaptation algorithm is applied, which adapts the fluid mesh to the position of the solid mesh every time step. This minor adjustment of the fluid mesh makes it possible to sustain a physiological pressure gradient across a solid leaflet. Furthermore, shear stresses can be computed at both sides of the leaflet. The method is demonstrated for a 2D example, however with a scope to 3D modelling.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)533-544
JournalInternational Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids
Volume46
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A combined fictitious domain/adaptive meshing method for fluid-structure interaction in heart valves'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this