2001 Volume 44 Issue 4 Pages 964-971
Blood flow in a large artery is commonly analyzed by means of constitutive equations. However, it is not appropriate to use constitutive equations for small arteries because of the heterogeneity of the blood. In this paper, a new method to model an erythrocyte using beads and springs is proposed as an alternative way to analyze the blood flow, which is called a deformable erythrocyte model. The behavior of a single erythrocyte is computed under a constant shear field. The rotating attitude of the erythrocyte model and rheological property of the blood are discussed. The results show that the deformable erythrocyte model can appropriately simulate the tank tread motion of an erythrocyte and the shear-thinning property under high-shear-rate conditions. It is, therefore, considered that the present model is able to consistently express the blood flow characteristics.
JSME international journal. Ser. 1, Solid mechanics, strength of materials
JSME international journal. Ser. A, Mechanics and material engineering
JSME international journal. Ser. 3, Vibration, control engineering, engineering for industry
JSME international journal. Ser. C, Dynamics, control, robotics, design and manufacturing
JSME International Journal Series A Solid Mechanics and Material Engineering
JSME International Journal Series B Fluids and Thermal Engineering