ABSTRACT
This paper presents a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation of patient-specific hemodynamics in thoracic aorta aneurysms. For this purpose, a geometric model using data from a Computed Tomography (CT) performed on a pilot patient was constructed. The numerical model included both the non-Newtonian behavior of the blood and turbulence. The rheological properties of blood were modeled using the Yasuda-Carreau model and the turbulence using the standard k - ε model. The validation of the numerical model was performed by comparing the numerical results with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. The numerical results showed that the blood ejected from the aortic valve flows at high velocity towards the external curvature of the ascending aorta being deflected in this region to the aortic arch. Therefore, the numerical model can aid the predictions of the hemodynamics inside thoracic aorta aneurysms.
