Oscillatory Blood Flow in Convergent and Divergent Channels, Part 1: Effects of Pulse Amplitude and Local Constriction Height

Abstract

Oscillatory blood flow in convergent and divergent channels is investigated. The problem which involves a set of non-linear differential equations is handled analytically using the method of regular perturbation series solutions. Solutions are obtained for the velocities, pressure and wall shear stress, and are analyzed graphically. It is found that the variations in the pulse amplitude and height of constriction reduce the axial velocity and pressure but increase the radial velocity and wall shear stress. More so, it is observed that flow separation occurs in the radial velocity and pressure structures in the convergent and divergent regions respectively, when the height of the constriction are varied.