Using coordinate transformation of Navier–Stokes equations to solve flow in multiple helical geometries

Recent research on small amplitude helical pipes for use as bypass grafts and arterio-venous shunts, suggests that mixing may help prevent occlusion by thrombosis. It is proposed here that joining together two helical geometries, of different helical radii, will enhance mixing, with only a small increase in pressure loss. To determine the velocity field, a coordinate transformation of the Navier–Stokes equations is used, which is then solved using a 2-D high-order mesh combined with a Fourier decomposition in the periodic direction. The results show that the velocity fields in each component geometry differ strongly from the corresponding solution for a single helical geometry. The results suggest that, although the mixing behaviour will be weaker than an idealised prediction indicates, it will be improved from that generated in a single helical geometry.