An integral method for the analysis of flow in arterial stenoses

An approximate solution is presented to the problem of incompressible flow through an axisymmetric constriction. The geometry is intended to simulate an arterial stenosis, and the solution is applicable to both mild and severe stenoses for Reynolds numbers below transition. Theoretical results obtained for specific geometries are given for the velocity distribution, pressure drop, wall shearing stress, and separation phenomena. These results reveal the significant alternations in flow caused by a stenosis. Experiments using model stenoses are described and compared with the theoretical results. Theoretical predictions of pressure drop and separation characteristics are in reasonably good agreement with the experimental observations.