In a numerical investigation of non-Newtonian blood flow, the Power-Law fluid model generated the highest axial velocity and greatest volumetric flow rate across a narrowed vessel, whereas the Casson model produced the largest resistance to flow. Because blood exhibits non-Newtonian characteristics, capturing its rheological behavior is critical for properly evaluating the hemodynamic environment within diseased arterial pathways.

To evaluate these localized hemodynamic phenomena, the investigators treated blood as an axisymmetric, unsteady fluid traveling under a periodic pressure gradient. The mathematical governing equations representing the flow system were solved numerically through a finite difference scheme. Rather than relying on a single rheological description, the study systematically compared four widely established non-Newtonian formulations: the Power-Law model, the Herschel-Bulkley model, the Casson model, and the Carreau model.

The computational analysis systematically assessed how non-Newtonian rheology alters multiple interdependent physical parameters across the artery, including axial velocity, radial velocity, volumetric flow rate, flow resistance, and wall shear stress. While the Power-Law formulation yielded peak axial velocity and the greatest volumetric delivery, the Casson formulation demonstrated the highest overall flow resistance through the constricted geometry.

The numerical solutions further demonstrated that the maximum wall shear stress occurs specifically at the throat of the stenosis. This localized peak arises because velocity gradients become substantially enhanced at the narrowest cross-section of the arterial constriction. The findings demonstrate that blood rheology, vessel wall tapering, and pulsatile flow behavior act together to determine the overall hemodynamic environment in diseased arteries.

According to the authors, these comparative results provide essential insights into understanding the progression of arterial disease. By clarifying how distinct non-Newtonian fluid models influence predicted flow resistance, velocity gradients, and shear stresses, the study supports the advancement of patient-specific hemodynamic assessments and informs the design of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Subject of Research: Comparative analysis of non-Newtonian blood flow models in a tapered, stenosed artery

Article Title: A comparative study of rheological effects of blood flow in a stenosed artery using non-Newtonian model

Article References: Pal, S., Varshney, G., Juneja, S., Singh, S., Reddy, P. S. K., & Anil kumar, K. M. (2026). A comparative study of rheological effects of blood flow in a stenosed artery using non-Newtonian model. Discover Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-026-09795-4

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DOI: 10.1007/s42452-026-09795-4

Keywords: blood rheology, non-Newtonian fluid models, Power-Law model, Herschel-Bulkley model, Casson model, Carreau model, stenosed artery, arterial constriction, pulsatile blood flow, axial velocity, radial velocity, volumetric flow rate, flow resistance, wall shear stress, stenosis throat, finite difference scheme, vessel tapering, hemodynamic assessment