Figure 3
Mock circulatory system for the numerical model. Compliances are denoted C. Inertances are denoted L. Resistances are denoted R. Flows are denoted i. Solid triangles indicate one-way heart valves. To simulate left ventricular contraction an external, squeezing pressure, Pext(t), having a half sinusoidal waveform is applied to the pump compliance, Cp, namely Pext(t) = Pmax ⋅ max(0, sin(ωt)), where Pmax is the peak applied pressure. To create a range of stroke volumes in the model Pmax is varied from 25 to 175 mmHg. Full details of model construction and operation are provided in Appendix 2.