DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2018.99
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1876
Date of Award
6-2018
Degree Name
MS in Engineering - Biochemical Engineering
Department/Program
Biomedical and General Engineering
Advisor
Michael Whitt
Abstract
Subclinical atherosclerosis is an important area of research to evaluate stroke risk and predict localization of plaque. The current methods for detecting atherosclerosis risk are insufficient because it is based on The Framingham Risk Score and carotid intima media thickness, therefore an engineering detection model based on quantifiable data is needed. Laminar and turbulent flow, dictated by Reynolds number and relative roughness, was modeled through the carotid artery bifurcation to compare shear stress and shear rate. Computer-aided design and fluid flow software were used to model hemodynamics through the carotid artery. Data from the model was derived from governing equations programmed in COMSOL for both laminar and turbulent flow. A carotid artery model is accurate enough to describe how relative roughness, flow profiles, and shear rate can be a good prediction of subclinical atherosclerosis.