Stabilized space-time fluid-structure interaction techniques with the continuum element

Abstract

We present the methods used to add continuum element functionality to the structure side of our Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) solver. The FSI solver, already capable of handling the interaction between membrane structure elements and fluid elements, can now accurately simulate fully 3D structure models as well. A few simple test calculations are presented in order to verify the proper implementation of these changes. Then we aim to establish the effectiveness of these methods by modeling blood flow through a cerebral sacular aneurysm. These computations are performed with three different structural models: linearly-elastic, hyperelastic (Mooney-Rivlin), and Neo-Hookean. Futhermore, each structure model is tested with two different pressure profiles and two different aneurysm thicknesses. Finally, we suggest a procedural change for further investigation: instead of assuming image-based geometry corresponds to zero blood pressure, use that image-based geometry to estimate the zero-pressure arterial geometry.