Visualization of relative flow patterns in centrifugal blood pump

This paper presents computational and flow visualization results on a centrifugal blood pump. 4 impeller designs were tested at a rotational speed of 2000 rpm using blood analog as working fluid. All impellers have seven blades but of different geometry (Impellers A3, A4, B2 and R7). Flow visualization within the impeller passages was conducted using an image de-rotation system. A pair of large scale vortices was found within the blades of impeller R7 while a single vortex was found in most of the passages of backward facing impellers (Impellers A3, A4 and B2). To establish the effects of blade geometry on blood cells, CFD was used to simulate the blade to blade flow to provide an estimate of the maximum shear stress. The results showed that though most of the stresses within the blade passages are below a threshold level of 150 N/m2 for extensive erythrocyte damage to occur, there are some regions near to the leading edge of the pressure side where the shear stresses are above threshold level.