ENGI4637: Physiological Fluid Mechanics

• ENGI2231 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2

• None

• None

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• To present the properties of physiological fluids.
• To provide an overview of the characteristics of fluid flows in the arterial system and various organs.
• Enable the students to identify differences of arterial waves patterns in health and disease.
• To introduce with analytical methods and mathematical modelling tools for understanding arterial waves and reflections in the circulatory system.

• Introduction to rheology and structure of the flexible walled branching system of the circulation.
• Determination of arterial wave speed and its clinical application.
• Theory of the 1-D wave propagation and reflection in flexible tubes (Method of Characteristics)
• Pressure and flow waves variation in the systemic and pulmonary circulations.
• Physiological measurements including basics of imaging.
• Analysis of arterial wave intensity.
• Flow in the microcirculation.
• Air flow in lungs.
• Introduction to fluid flow in various organs.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A historical account of the development of the haemodynamics field.
• A knowledge of mathematical models currently used/being developed for studying physiological flows.
• An appreciation of the difficulties of modelling physiological problems and limitations of such models.
• An understanding of the potential use of relevant calculated parameters as diagnostic tools.
• A knowledge of trends of using imaging techniques with haemodynamics.
• An understanding of the equations describing travelling of waves and their application.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability of applying fundamental fluid mechanics knowledge in bioengineering field.
• An awareness of current physical models used in assessing performance of the physiological flow system.
• An introduction to analytical and modelling methods used in studying physiological flows.
• Develop an ability to communicate the results of work effectively.

Key Skills:

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Specialised modelling skills for complex biological system appropriate to a bioengineer.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

• The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
• Students can make use of staff 'office hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for one hour per week per lecture course.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.