Structure of Swirling Flow in the Channel Branching Area at Moderate Reynolds Numbers

Abstract

The results of experimental studies of steady-state swirling flow in the area of channel branching, that imitates the proximal end-to-side anastomosis of the human femoral artery, are given. The experiments were carried out at a Reynolds number of 1460. This corresponds to the range of physiological values when estimating by the maximum blood flow rate in the artery during the period of cardiac contractions. For both branches, an equal ratio of the flow rates was maintained. At the inlet to the branching area, the degree of flow swirl was equal to 0.125. Using the SIV (smoke image velocimetry) technique, flow was visualized and the instantaneous vector flow velocity fields of each branch were measured. The main patterns of the influence of swirl on the vortex structure of flow in the main artery below the branching area and in the shunt have been revealed. The possibility of using flow swirl to create more favorable hemodynamic conditions in the anastomotic area is being considered. A particular attention is paid to the appearance of signs of local flow turbulization in the presence and absence of swirl.