Continuum Scale Non Newtonian Particle Transport Model for HÆmorheology

We present a continuum scale particle transport model for red blood cells following collision arguments, in a diffusive flux formulation. The model is implemented in FOAM, in a framework suitable for haemodynamics simulations and adapted to multi-scaling. Specifically, the framework we present is able to ingest transport coefficient models to be derived, prospectively, from complimentary but independent meso-scale simulations. For present purposes, we consider modern semi-mechanistic rheology models, which we implement and test as proxies for such data. The model is verified against a known analytical solution and shows excellent agreement for high quality meshes and good agreement for typical meshes as used in vascular flow simulations. Simulation results for different size and time scales show that migration of red blood cells does occur on physiologically relevany timescales on small vessels below 1 mm and that the haematocrit concentration modulates the non-Newtonian viscosity. This model forms part of a multi-scale approach to haemorheology and model parameters will be derived from meso-scale simulations using multi-component Lattice Boltzmann methods. The code, haemoFoam, is made available for interested researchers.

Automated summary

The study presents a continuum scale particle transport model for red blood cells suitable for hemodynamics simulations, with adaptable multi-scaling capabilities. Results show migration of red blood cells occurring on physiological timescales in small vessels and modulation of non-Newtonian viscosity by hematocrit concentration. The model parameters will be derived from meso-scale simulations using multi-component Lattice Boltzmann methods.