Consider a healthy artery, with blood flow velocity of 0.14m/s
and density of ρ=1050kg/m3.
Suppose that plaque has narrowed an artery to one-fifth of its
normal cross-sectional area (an
80% blockage). Treat the blood as a completely ideal fluid (no
viscosity)
A) What will be the velocity of the blood through the
blockage?
B) How much will the pressure in the blood change as it passes
through the blockage?
(a)
Use continuity equation
A1v1 = A2v2
A1 * 0.14 = 1/5 * A1 * v2
0.14 = 1/5 * v2
v2 = 0.7 m/s
_____________
(b)
change in pressure at blockage site
P = - ( / 2) ( v22 - v12)
P = - (1050 / 2) ( 0.72 - 0.142)
P = - 247 Pa
this means there is dangerous drop in pressure and can lead to serious complications.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.