Effect of Non-Newtonian Behavior on Hemodynamics of Cerebral Aneurysms

Abstract

Blood flow dynamics near and within cerebral aneurysms have long been implicated in aneurysm growth and rupture. In this study, the governing equations for pulsatile flow are solved in their finite volume formulation to simulate blood flow in a range of three-dimensional aneurysm geometries. Four constitutive models are applied to investigate the influence of non-Newtonian behavior on flow patterns and fluid mechanical forces. The blood's non-Newtonian behavior is found to be more significant, in particular, vascular geometries, and to have pronounced effects on flow and fluid mechanical forces within the aneurysm. The choice of constitutive model has measurable influence on the numerical prediction of aneurysm rupture risk due to fluid stresses, though less influence than aneurysm morphology.