Project Information:
Teacher Number: 260
School: virtual Ischool
Grade: 10-12 (11)
Team Size: 1
Team Captain: Sadaf Bahaza
Project: Flow Simulation of L-Coronary Artery
Project Type: Experimental
Project Area: Health Science
Language: English
Software Used: Macromedia Dreamweaver/Flash MX, Adobe Photoshop/Imageready CS2
Hardware Used: Laptop, Desktop Computer, Workstation Computer at Thermodynamics Lab, Camera for Pictures (4 Megapixels), Scanner.
Idea: This project was developed after researching into the causes of heart attacks. Atherosclerotic plaque was found as the main cause. An innovative idea of using Computational Fluid Dynamics to examine blood flow was devised. Preventative measures would also be developed.
Special Skills: C++ Programming, Calculus, Computer Modelling.
Project Summary:
A Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation of the Left coronary artery was established to identify significant flow differences between atherosclerotic and normal arteries. Flow patterns were intended to be observed, along with Wall Shear Stress, Velocity Vectors, and Pressure Contours. These factors contribute to the disturbed flow patterns present when atherosclerotic lesions occur. The goals of the simulation were to follow the principles of Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis, including Conservation of Mass (Continuity) and Conservation of Momentum (Navier-Stokes). After pinpointing major differences, biological implications were considered. Atherosclerotic lesion formation was examined along with current medical methods to treat it. Doctors can use the information available through CFD Analysis of the artery to pinpoint areas of severe lesions, as well as developing ones, and target them, for critical and potential patients (this can be done with Cardiac CT scans to develop intensity scales). Pulsatile Flow has been incorporated into a custom C++ program, which calculates velocity time based on a sinusoidal equation, and a graphical animation has been made to show it. Streamlines have been examined as paths of massless particles so targeted drug delivery can be devised. In conclusion, computational fluid dynamics has allowed the proper analysis of fluid flow in the coronary artery.
Awards Won:
Competitions: Toronto Scitech Fair Gold Medalist, Participating in upcoming Canada Wide Science Fair 2006, Winner of Sanofi-Aventis Biotech Competition Toronto ($1000).
Project Display :
