DISTRIBUTED FLOW LEAKAGE IN VISCOELASTIC TUBES: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Models of the arterial system often consider only the major arteries in the body; smaller arteries are neglected. Along the aorta are many small branches that create, what is in effect, a distributed flow leakage. Distributed flow leakage is known to significantly attenuate pressure and flow waves in rigid tubes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of distributed flow leakage on the transmission of pressure and flow waves in viscoelastic tubes. This was accomplished by conducting a series of experiments using latex tubes. The results of the study indicate that distributed flow leakage has a negligible effect on wave transmission in compliant tubes, hence it is reasonable to neglect distributed flow leakage in models of the arterial system.