Forschungsbericht 2017



Computational Homogenization of Arterial Walls Using the Finite Cell Method (Georg-Forster-Forschungsstipendium/AvH)

Institut: M-10
Projektleitung: Alexander Düster
Mitarbeiter/innen: Omid Sepahi
Laufzeit: 01.11.2014 — 31.10.2017
Finanzierung:Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung

This project deals with the computational homogenization process for the multi-scale modeling of the passive and active behavior of arterial walls with a view to attaining a better understanding of such soft tissue mechanics, which has a significant influence on vascular procedures like angioplasty and stenting. Stress distribution through the arterial wall is one of the most important topics in computational cardiovascular mechanics. Typical challenges are due to the fact that the wall consists of an active, non-homogeneous, multi-layered element that interacts with the conveying fluid, inducing stress within the arterial layer and on its inner surface. The lack of knowledge of how stresses are distributed through the different micro-constituents of the wall and how they affect the structure remains one of the most important questions calling for further investigation.

Therefore, the project deals with the constitutive modeling of passive and active arterial walls, focusing on such challenging aspects as the active constituents of the arterial wall. A computational homogenization strategy for a multi-scale analysis will be developed in order to obtain the effective mechanical properties of the arterial walls.