Finite element numerical analysis of blood flow and temperature distribution in three‐dimensional image‐based finger model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blood flow and temperature distribution in human extremities.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation is carried out from three aspects. Firstly, the hemodynamics in the human upper limb is analyzed by one‐dimensional model for pulsalite flow in an elastic tube. Secondly, the blood flow and heat transfer through living tissues are described basing on porous media theory, and the tissue model is coupled with the one‐dimensional blood flow model. With respect to geometric modeling, MR‐image‐based modeling method is employed to construct a realistic model of the human finger.

Findings

It is found that the temperature variation is closely related to the blood flow variation in the fingertip and the blood flow distribution in the tissue is dependent on the locations of large arteries and veins.

Originality/value

Blood flow and temperature distribution in a 3D realistic human finger are firstly obtained by coupling the blood circulation and porous media model.

Citation

He, Y., Himeno, R., Liu, H., Yokota, H. and Gang Sun, Z. (2008), "Finite element numerical analysis of blood flow and temperature distribution in three‐dimensional image‐based finger model", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 18 No. 7/8, pp. 932-953. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530810899033