Lattice Boltzmann Method for Real Time Simulations of Complex Physics of Blood Flows

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Blood consists of red and white blood cells and platelets in addition to other constituents such as nutrients, hormones, and even viruses. These immiscible particles are deformable and float in a plasma which flows in elastic channels which increases the complexity for modeling. Understanding the pattern of blood flow may shed light on heart disease, hypertension, and artery clotting. Also, understanding the flow pattern in channels with stenosis is important for developing better devises to reduce the effect of stenosis. It is vital to understand the effect of drug delivery and its effect on the blood’s physical properties, such as viscosity and density. One approach to study such complex flow physics is by modeling (CFD). Recently, there has been a growing interest in applying the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to discrete mechanics which has emerged as a powerful technique to tackle such physical problems. The LBM is easy to code, and enjoys the flexibility of allowing the inclusion of multi-physics to solve the problems at hand, adding an array of further possible applications. However, the method is relatively new, much room remains for expanding it, especially in the realm of multi-physics. The main objectives of this proposal are: to understand the physics of complex blood flows in deformable and non-smooth vessels to mimic real blood flow. To develop and solve more realistic models for blood flow, in specific and multiphase flows, in general, which will enhance our understanding of the physics of blood flow blockage, drug delivery processes and health problems associated with it. Mathematical models will be developed for such systems using a unified approach based on discrete method, the LBM. The developed models will be applied to specific problems (blood flow, flows in biological cells). Also, the model will take advantage of the local nature of LBM to utilize multi-processor computers with graphic cards to speed real time simulations. Moreover, lab scale experiments will be performed to validate the developed models. The experimental data and flow visualizations will help to reinforce our understanding of the physics of the complex phenomena under consideration. The project will train several graduate students and prepare them for solving multi-disciplinary, challenging industrial/biological problems.