Multi-scale modelling of blood flow over cardiovascular surfaces

Computational modelling in the Biomedical Engineering field has many active research areas, with both theoretical significance and multiple relevant clinical applications. The accuracy and capability of CFD techniques is always increasing which allows for the creation of more realistic models. These more sophisticated models can increase our understanding of human physiology by providing insight into the function of the body, investigate the effect disease can have on this function and determine effective treatment through simulating surgery/implants/medical devices. A fundamental part of modelling any kind of blood flow is its interaction with the boundaries, be it; Blood vessels, valves or tissues. As this interaction is critical to modelling accurately all types of blood flow, any improvements that can be made to existing techniques will improve many types of biomedical simulations. I am interesting in examining the effects of the differing structural/mechanical properties of blood vessels at different scales on blood flow, as well as improving the rheological interactions of blood with these multi-scale vessels. As there are many CFD methods used in biological modelling (Finite volume, Smoothed particle hydrodynamics), the performance of different techniques can be assessed for suitability in modelling multi-scale flow. This research has clear clinical and commercial application in both patient-specific simulations and informing the design of medical implants such as catheters/blood clot devices.