Assignment 1
Question one
A branching blood vessel can be considered as a splitting vane which divides the flow into
𝑚̇
two streams. Find the mass flow rate ratio 𝑚̇2, required to produce zero force in the y3
direction. Determine the horizontal force under these conditions. Assume no energy loss
due to branching and that diameters remain the same.
 2 , = 900
m
V = 35cm / s
d = 2.5cm
m 3 ,  = 25 0
Question two
When a patient experiences high blood pressure, discuss what happens to the vascular flow
rate. What changes must occur to allow the vascular flow rate to return to normal
conditions? Assume that the peak systolic blood pressure for the hypertensive patient is 190
mmHg.
Question three
Calculate the wave propagation speed for a 100m thick blood vessel with a radius of
10mm. This blood vessel has a pressure of 85mmHg and a Young's Modulus of 12.5kPa.
Under disease conditions the vascular wall can stiffen so that the Young's Modulus
approaches 30kPa. Calculate the change in the wave speed under these conditions. What
blood vessel property is likely to change in response to the increase in stiffness and why?
Question four
Calculate the radius of the parent branch knowing that the radii of the two daughter branches
are 400m and 435m. Determine the bifurcation angles and draw an accurate figure of this
branch.