Authors : D.H. Hussein, H. Gitano-Briggs and M.Z. Addullah
Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used for developing and evaluating the performance of a novel design of the Cardiac Axial Blood Pump (CABP). This device could be used as an implantable pump for boosting blood circulation in patients whose hearts are not providing sufficient output. Based on the Berlin Heart configuration the blood pump has been designed for a flow rate of 5 L min-1 and 100 mmHg of head pressure. Finite element analysis method has been performed to predict the shear stress, velocity and pressure drop applied on the fluid through the pump and the shear stress on the pump impeller. Furthermore, flow streamlines has been discussed to predict the flow streamlines behavior and the expected stagnation points. The aim of this research is to design an efficient blood pump to support the blood circulatory system and reduce the shear stress and blood hemolysis during transport through the pump. The design simulated at several rotational speeds (5000-7000 rpm) to investigate the relationship between the rotational speeds and shear stress. Results indicate that the rotational speed has a direct correlation with shear stress and pressure drop. On the same stream, we found that at 6500 rpm the pump gives its optimal pressure drop and shear stress.
D.H. Hussein, H. Gitano-Briggs and M.Z. Addullah, 2009. Design Analysis and Performance Prediction of the Cardiac Axial Blood Pump. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 637-643.