Tuning a lattice-Boltzmann model for applications in computational hemodynamics

The interest in lattice-Boltzmann models in the computational hemodynamics realm has increased in recent years. In this context, the correct choice of numerical parameters for the appropriate simulation of blood flows in major arteries is a crucial aspect For this reason, we present three parameter-tuning strategies that allow us to reproduce correctly the pulsatile time-dependent flow of an incompressible fluid under physiological regimes. These strategies are studied for a model based on a single-relaxation-time approach in combination with second order boundary conditions for both velocity and pressure, and proper equilibrium distributions that take care of the incompressible behavior exhibited by the fluid. The implementation is validated with the three-dimensional Womersley flow benchmark. As well, the simulation of blood flows in a curved artery, in an anastomosed vessel, in a patient specific vertebral artery and in an aneurysmal region are presented in order to show how the method and the setting of the numerical parameters are applied to different realistic hemodynamics problems. (C) 2011 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.