Numerical Simulation of Aneurysm Hemodynamics
Stephen MacVicar ('04) and Sophia Huynh ('05)
Prof. Jenn Rossmann, Advisor

Hemodynamics, or blood flow dynamics, plays a significant role in aneurysm
development, growth, and eventual rupture.  This study examined the fluid
flow characteristics of a range of saccular aneurysms.  The influence of
variations in aneurysm shape, neck diameter, and vessel geometry on the
fluid mechanical forces imparted to the vascular wall were investigated.
The governing equations for fluid flow were solved in their finite volume
formulation for both steady and pulsatile flows. Recirculation zones and
secondary flows were observed in aneurysms and arteries. Areas of elevated
shear stress and oscillating shear stress were observed and identified as
sites for potential aneurysm growth and rupture. The influence of several
geometric factors, including curvature, branching angle, and aneurysm shape,
on flow patterns and fluid mechanical forces was studied with the goal of
identifying aneurysms at risk of rupture based on their geometries.  This
comprehensive study of the influence of several geometrical and
morphological parameters on aneurysm hemodynamics is a valuable step toward
understanding the mechanisms for aneurysm growth and rupture, and predicting
the level of risk associated with particular aneurysm geometries.  The work
provided an opportunity for HMC students to perform interdisciplinary
research with immediate relevance to the scientific community, and to become
familiar with the valuable tool of computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Jenn Stroud Rossmann
Assistant Professor
Engineering Department
Harvey Mudd College
www3.hmc.edu/~rossmann