Physics-driven impeller designs for a novel intravascular blood pump for patients with congenital heart disease

Integrated long‐term multifunctional pediatric mechanical circulatory assist device

“…Turbulent flow conditions are expected to exist in the pumps (Re = ρωD 2 /μ), and thus, the k-ε model was selected in line with prior studies, as an initial benchmark. 13,14 F I G U R E 4 Taguchi Design Optimization Method (TDOM) analysis: All of the geometric configurations (matrix of nine designs), and sample calculation of the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio showing how we identified which design parameter values are optimal for the centrifugal impeller geometry…”

“…The grid structure was designed to satisfy standard quality metrics, including the skewness and aspect ratio. [13][14][15] We simulated steady flow conditions and Newtonian blood behavior. The viscosity was set to 0.0035 kg/m*s with a blood density of 1050 kg/m 3 .…”

“…The Reynolds‐Averaging technique decomposes the flow velocity variables into steady, time‐averaged components and the turbulent, fluctuating, time‐varying components. Turbulent flow conditions are expected to exist in the pumps (Re = ρωD 2 / μ ), and thus, the k ‐ ε model was selected in line with prior studies, as an initial benchmark 13,14 …”

“…The density of each mesh section was varied in a grid independence study, in which an appropriate number of elements was determined by quantifying the percent difference (<3%) in the simulated velocities and pressures. The grid structure was designed to satisfy standard quality metrics, including the skewness and aspect ratio 13‐15 …”

“…Building upon our designs of axial flow blood pumps, we initiated the design for the axial pump in this series configuration. 13,14 The impeller geometry was iteratively improved until the desired pressure rise was achieved, and we eliminated flow recirculation within the impeller, diffuser blade, and straightener blade regions. The impeller blade twist angles were evaluated with multiple curvature radii: 90°, 120°, 150°, 240°, and 300°.…”