journal article·2025-05-21Open access

Application of Mathematical Models for Blood Flow in Aorta and Right Coronary Artery

Monica Minniti, Vera Gramigna, Arrigo Palumbo, Gionata Fragomeni

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 10

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for accurate simulations of blood flow to improve diagnosis and treatment. This study examines blood flow dynamics in two different vascular structures—the aorta and the right coronary artery (RCA)—using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics®, various mathematical models were applied to simulate blood flow under physiological conditions, assuming a steady-flow regime. These models include both Newtonian and non-Newtonian approaches, such as the Carreau and Casson models, as well as viscoelastic frameworks like Oldroyd-B, Giesekus, and FENE-P. Key metrics—such as velocity fields, pressure distributions, and error analysis—were evaluated to determine which model most accurately describes hemodynamic behavior in large vessels like the aorta and in smaller and more complex vessels like the RCA. The results highlight the importance of shear-thinning and viscoelastic properties in small vessels like the RCA, which contrasts with the predominantly Newtonian behavior observed in the aorta. While computational challenges remain, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of blood rheology, enhancing the accuracy of cardiovascular simulations and offering valuable insights for diagnosing and managing vascular diseases.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Coronary Interventions and Diagnostics · Cardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention · Cardiovascular Function and Risk Factors

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy

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