Vortex Motion and Induced Pressures in a Model of the Aortic Valve

Abstract

A self-propagating, free-vortex pair is mapped into an infinite strip, and a semi-infinite strip. The strip geometries are plane two-dimensional approximations of the open and closed aortic valve regions. Vortex trajectories, velocity fields and pressure distributions are calculated. The unsteady vortex motion is shown to initiate valve closure during systolic flow deceleration. These closure initiation effects are compared to and combined with flow field and pressure gradient effects considered by other investigators.