Numerical simulation of pulsatile flow in a carotid bifurcation model.

The finite element method is used to solve the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations for pulsatile flow through a model of the human carotid bifurcation. Theoretical fluid dynamic investigations can be useful in gaining insight into flow phenomena in arteries; our mathematical results show the zones of reversed flow during the pulse period and the paths of single blood particles in the flow field. The separated flow zones and the visualization of the particle paths indicate the haemodynamic particularity of the carotid sinus.