| dc.description.abstract | Numerical Modeling can provide insight and improve processes in human health. This
masters thesis is a Python implementation of the lattice Boltzmann method in two
dimensions to model flows related to the Fontan cardiac procedure.
To begin, solvers were created for pipe flow. Pressure boundaries were used for the inlet
and outlet. The solver was tested by matching the analytical solution for flow with
Newtonian fluids. Non-Newtonian fluids were added to the solver using the power law
model. Similarly, this solver was tested by matching the flow to the non-Newtonian
analytical solution.
Next more complex geometries were added to the solver. This was done using a masking
function in Python. Then the geometry for the veins in the Fontan procedure were
implemented into the solver.
Simulations were performed at various power-law indexes. It was found that an increase
in the power-law index resulted in an increase in the Reynolds number, velocity and flow
rate. | |