Mesh refinement influence and cardiac-cycle flow periodicity in aorta flow analysis with isogeometric discretization

We present detailed studies on mesh refinement influence and cardiac-cycle flow periodicity in aorta flow analysis with isogeometric discretization. Both factors play a key role in the reliability and practical value of aorta flow analysis. The core computational method is the space–time Variational Multiscale (ST-VMS) method. The other key method is the ST Isogeometric Analysis (ST-IGA). The ST framework, in a general context, provides higher-order accuracy. The VMS feature of the ST-VMS addresses the computational challenges associated with the multiscale nature of the unsteady flow in the aorta. The ST-IGA provides smoother representation of the aorta and increased accuracy in the flow solution. We conduct the studies for a patient-specific aorta geometry. We determine the level of mesh refinement needed and assess the nature of the flow periodicity reached.