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Examples of Research Projects >
Project 1
Improved Hemocompatibility of
Cardiovascular Devices
Goal: Study cell-coverage of
artificial surfaces used in cardiovascular devices such as LVADs (Left
Ventricular Assist Devices) and Stents. The cells are the genetically
engineered auricular chondrocytes (ear cartilage cells).
Problem: What is the minimum
number of seeded cells that will grow and multiply to cover a given
surface area in a given time-frame?
Types of surfaces considered:
stainless steel, nitinol, glass, ...
Approach: Derive a mathematical
model that will describe area coverage (cell growth) as a function of
time. The parameters in the model will depend on the surface type. Use
experimental data to estimate the parameters values and to validate the
model. Experiments will be performed by the student at the
Cardiovascular Research and Biocompatibility Laboratory at the Texas
Heart Institute under the supervision by Dr. Rosenstrauch.
Project 2
Experimental Validation of
Models for Blood Flow through Compliant Vessels
Goal: Comparison between
numerical simulations of model equations with the actual experimental
data.
Problem: Build a device
consisting of a Latex tube, fish-tank pump, and electric circuit
breaker to simulate the flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid
through an elastic tube driven by a periodic pressure difference.
Collect and compare the data with the numerical simulations. Collection
of the data will be performed at the Center for Mechanics of Solids,
Structures and Materials, The University of Texas at Austin.
Project 3
Visualization of Blood Flow
through Two-Sleeved Vascular Stent Graft
Goal: Visualize numerical data
describing the flow of blood in a two-sleeved vascular prosthesis
inserted in an aortic abdominal aneurysm. The problem is to provide
realistic three-dimensional movies showing the velocity field, the
radial displacement and the shear-stress rate.
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