< 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.