Non‐Newtonian blood flow with magnetic nanoparticles in a W‐shaped stenosed arterial segment: A numerical study

Abstract

Flow of blood, infused with magnetic nanoparticles, in a W‐shaped stenosed human arterial segment is studied numerically using a realistic non‐Newtonian blood rheology model. It is observed that the Newtonian model predicts less time to reach a steady state than the non‐Newtonian blood rheology model. An increased drug retention time at the target site with an increase in nanoparticle concentration is predicted. Detailed simulations further reveal that the skin friction coefficient does not increase significantly with the increase in nanoparticle concentration. Hence, it is anticipated from our study that the infusion of drug‐carrying nanoparticles in blood flow does not excessively enhance wall shear stress that may lead to arterial wall damage. An overall increase in heat transfer rates and wall shear stress at the stenosed section is seen with an increase in Reynolds number. The present study provides valuable information for designing computer‐assisted drug delivery systems.