Study of axisymmetric flow of Maxwell fluid through arterial stenosis

Abstract

In this paper steady flow of an incompressible Maxwell fluid through an axisymmetric artery with stenosis (constriction) is considered. A system of highly nonlinear equations is obtained and the perturbation method is applied to obtain an approximated theoretical result for the velocity distribution in mild stenosis, which is used to observe the pressure distribution and shear stress at the artery surface. Separation and reattachment points are also found. These points help us to understand the behavior of Maxwell fluid through the converging-diverging portion of the artery. This investigation results in a mathematical model that has good agreement with the blood flow characteristics because of its shear-thickening and shear-thinning behavior. It is observed that due to the non-Newtonian properties of the Maxwell fluid, the wall shear stress is comparatively less than that of Newtonian fluid. This property of the fluid may reduce the further growth of stenosis and turbulent region. Graphical representations are made giving a clear picture of flow through constriction.