Author(s)

T. David & C.H. Hsu

Abstract

The work presents results from a newly developed interactive design tool for mechanical heart valves using 'application builder' visualisation tools. The software provides an environment where a large range of valve designs can be created/analysed and either passed or rejected within a single session. The geometry of the valve is defined using the relatively new technique of P.D.E. (partial differential equation) solution methods. By this the pde generated geometry, fluid flow analysis and dynamic modelling are tightly integrated and the designer may investigate the design variants. A concept design process is illustrated by considering important criteria which include the separation zone size behind the stiffening ring and the leaflets, the shear stress distribution over the leaflets, the location of the leafl

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