PhD in Engineering: An experimental and computational investigation of aortic vessels

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. It is usually asymptomatic and upon aneurysm rupture the survival rate is extremely low. Stented endovascular repair is however possible if the aneurysm is detected prior to rupture.

Computational models can assist biomedical engineers to optimise the stent design and materials selection provided they are rigorously validated. The material properties of the aortic vessel are complex. In addition, the stent is subject to pulsatile loading that can induce fatigue. An objective of this work is to validate finite element simulations of stented and unstented vessels using a series of experiments. The material properties will also be determined. Once validated, the model will be extended to consider the fatigue life of the stent. The model will also account for the variability of the aorta’s material properties with age.

This project is in collaboration with the leading stent designer and manufacturer Terumo Aortic. The successful applicant will work closely with the company.

Start date: 1 January 2019