Numerical investigation of solute dispersion in a non-Newtonian fluid flow through a catheterized artery with mild stenosis

The phenomenon of Casson fluid flow and solute dispersion through a catheterized artery with constriction is studied. An analytical solution to the flow equations is obtained for low Womersley number. The finite element method is utilized to numerically solve the governing equation for solute dispersion and obtain the local and mean concentrations. The combined influence of pulsatile flow nature, catheter insertion, non -Newtonian rheology, and mild stenosis on dispersion within the artery are analysed by considering axial and temporal variations of the local concentration and mean concentration. The study shows that the Womersley frequency parameter and amplitude of the pressure gradient have no qualitative effect on the dispersion in the case of mild stenosis artery; this is in agreement with the case of tube flow with rigid walls. However, the fluid yield stress and height of the stenotic region have a marked impact on the dispersion phenomenon. These results have applications to oxygen or drug transport processes in catheterized and stenosed arteries.