New parametric computational test case for automated design and analysis of an axial blood pump

Abstract

The paper presents a new fully parametric geometrical model of a ventricular assist device (VAD) together with an example of a comprehensive automated workflow integrating multidisciplinary tools for geometrical design, fluid dynamic assessment, and automated shape optimisation. Advanced geometrical constructions are applied to develop a new fully parametric CAD (Computer Aided Design) model that generates a stable, watertight geometry of an axial blood pump in both non-uniform B-spline representation and node-to-node triangular mesh. The presented example of a fully integrated simulation workflow that combines open-source software tools within a user-friendly environment, demonstrates its efficiency while benefiting from the fully parametric, easily adjustable VAD model. The proposed geometrical modelling and numerical simulation approach offers a seamless, ready-to-use test case for computer aided design, analysis and optimisation of VADs. The shown results demonstrate the essential advantages of the parametric modelling approach, showcasing its potential application in performance improvements of an axial blood pump through shape optimisation. Overall, the paper highlights the viability of automated, multidisciplinary design workflows in biomedical engineering.