Lattice Boltzmann Modeling and Simulation of Incompressible Flows in Distensible Tubes for Applications in Hemodynamics

Most studies in computational fluid dynamics assume that the vessel walls are rigid. However, especially when studying the blood flow in large arteries, it is of particular importance to incorporate the elasticity of the vessel and its interaction with the fluid. The treatment of such fluid‐structure interaction problems is a real challenge.
This ambitious PhD‐thesis presents an accurate and computationally efficient approach for modelling and simulating incompressible flow in distensible tubes and its interaction with the tube wall, with particular focus on applications in hemodynamics. The developed lattice Boltzmann method has been used as a competitive alternative approach to conventional numerical methods, using novel boundary conditions for wall displacement and stent handling. Simulations for constant outflow boundary conditions as well as for time‐dependent flows show the expected physical behaviour.
The presented methodology offers a valuable tool: it is simple and computationally efficient while at the same time able to predict waveforms and pressure fields in arteries if necessary measurement data are available.