Numerical Modeling of Large-Displacement Fluid-Structure Interaction: Preliminary Study Aimed at Analysis of Heart Valve Dynamics

Abstract

The demand for artificial heart valve replacements is increasing as a result of birth defects, ageing and disease. Collaboration between engineers, biologists and mathematicians is necessary to handle problems related to biocompatibility and fluid dynamics. As a result of the increased demand for artificial heart valves, many new designs have been developed recently. A method to test those designs is to use mathematical modeling. This method has a relatively low-cost and can be used as a preliminary tool before expensive prototypes are created. This research analyzes the use of the numerical modeling software LS-DYNA for large-displacement fluid-structure interaction. It is a preliminary study aimed at the analysis of heart valve dynamics. In particular, a channel with flap model is created in LS-DYNA. The model's physics, convergence and ability to handle large deformations is investigated.