An Introduction to Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics

This learning track covers the fundamentals of cardiovascular fluid mechanics, rheology, and the principles of cardiovascular fluid mechanics. It starts with an exploration of the cardiovascular system's structure and the principles of fluid mechanics, such as viscosity and the Navier-Stokes equation. For instance, learners understand how these principles apply to the cardiovascular system. The track also emphasizes the importance of understanding fluid dynamics for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases. It further delves into the comprehensive understanding of rheology, with a specific focus on the rheology of blood. Learners get to understand the behaviors of fluids, such as shear thinning, shear thickening, and viscoelastic behavior, using blood as an illustrative example. The track continues with a detailed discussion on blood flow in channels, the implications of Hagen Poiseuille law in the cardiovascular system, and an introduction to different types of viscometers. Finally, the track concludes with a comprehensive discussion on viscoelasticity, flow bifurcation, pulsatile flows and flow in elastic and rigid tubes.