Comparative Study of Uniform and Pulsatile Blood Flow Through Single Stenosed Carotid Artery

Symmetric occlusion with the range of 20–70% reduction in diameter of carotid artery is numerically investigated. Computations have been performed for both steady and pulsatile inlet velocities with the average Reynolds number of 400. Comparison has been made between steady and unsteady flow based on the time-averaged quantities like WSS, reattachment point, etc. The effect of pulsatile inlet velocity is observed in terms of WSS transient behaviour. OSI is monitored to look for the regions favourable in the new plaque formation. Study shows that the result outcomes are realistic and superior when the inlet is employed with a pulsatile flow instead of a steady inlet. Flow behaviour found to be very sensitive to inlet pulse, and associated rapid changes in the WSS might rupture plaque and cause blood clots. OSI distribution shows that the region downstream of stenosis is more prone to new plaque formation.