Computation of hemodynamics in the circle of Willis.
Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure are important factors in the development of cerebral aneurysms. We aimed to develop a computational fluid dynamics simulator for flow in the complete circle of Willis to study the impact of variations in vessel radii and bifurcation angles on WSS and pressure on vessel walls. Blood flow was modeled with Navier-Stokes equations as an incompressible newtonian fluid within rigid vessel walls. A model of the circle of Willis geometry was approximated as a network of tubes around cubic curves. Pulsatile inlet flow rates and constant outlet pressure were used as boundary conditions. The simulations confirmed that differences in vessel radii and asymmetric branch angles influence WSS magnitude and spatial distribution. High WSS occurred at locationshas been working with the student teams at Virginia Tech, ODU, and Hampton,” said fourth-year student Colin Mitchell, KN4BBF, who is set to graduate this spring with degrees in mechanical engineering and physics. Mitchell is a member of the data and communications team, which is writing software for the UVA CubeSat and will handle the radio communication aspects. He and fellow student Tyler Gabriele, KN4BBE, studied for and obtained Technician tickets so they can test the radio gear, and other students associated with the project also will earn their licenses as the project develops.

Goyne’s group recently began work to construct the ground station, with assistance from the UVA Amateur Radio Club (W4UVA). The Amateur Radio club will provide technical expertise and assist in the operation of the ground