ABSTRACT
We have now used models for steady (Chapter 5) and unsteady (Chapter 6) žow through rigid or elastic tubes to understand the žow dynamics in the blood vessels. Analysis of the governing equations resulted in expressions for pressure pulse, žow rate, and velocity proŸles. To verify the accuracy of our models, data on these variables must be obtained from in vitro, or, preferably from in vivo measurements. Moreover, measurements of pressure, žow rate, and resistance within speciŸc segments of the circulatory system are also important diagnostically to the physician. Measurement of detailed velocity proŸles and other žow parameters will also be helpful in understanding the factors involved in the initiation of disease processes such as thrombus formation and atherosclerosis (see Chapter 6).
