The transient characteristics of arterial blood flow

The general transition characteristics of arterial blood flow have been investigated. This study is so conducted as to probe the circulation phenomena of blood flow in the main trunk of arterial system. The Womersley's mathematical model is introduced first as a general approach. The model suitable for this study is then formulated and the solution based on the linearization of the equation is carried out. The main theme of this study is concerned with pulsatile blood flow and the transition characteristics associated with it. The calculated results based on plausible assumptions and experimental data are examined analytically. The stability of the velocity profile or/and the origin of transition has been studied. The results indicate that the blood flow in the main trunk of arteries, although it may have instability tendency, is maintained primarily in laminar state. The conclusion from this investigation has also been compared with the direct experiments of previous workers.