Numerical study of blood flow through different double bell-shaped stenosed coronary artery during the progression of the disease, atherosclerosis

Purpose - This paper aims to perform numerical simulations through different shaped double stenoses in a vascular tube for a better understanding of arterial blood flow patterns, and their possible role during the progression of atherosclerosis. The dynamics of flow features have been studied by wall pressure, streamline contour and wall shear stress distributions for all models. Design/methodology/approach - A finite volume method has been employed to solve the governing equations for the two-dimensional, steady, laminar flow of an incompressible and Newtonian fluid. Findings The paper finds that impact of pressure drop, reattachment length and peak wall shear stress at each restriction primarily depends upon percentage of restriction, if restriction spacing is sufficient. The quantum of impact of pressure drop, reattachment length and peak wall shear stress is much effected for smaller restriction spacing. If recirculating bubble of first restriction merges with the recirculating bubble formed behind the second restriction in this smaller restriction spacing. The similar effect of smaller restriction spacing is observed, if Reynolds number increases also. Originality/value - The effect of different shaped stenoses, restriction spacing and Reynolds number on the flow characteristics has been investigated and the role of all the flow characteristics on the progression of the disease, atherosclerosis, is discussed.