An all-hex meshing strategy for bifurcation geometries in vascular flow simulation

We develop an automated all-hex meshing strategy for bifurcation geometries arising in subject-specific computational hemodynamics modeling. The key components of our approach are the use of a natural coordinate system, derived from solutions to Laplace's equation, that follows the tubular vessels (arteries, veins, or grafts) and the use of a tripartitioned-based mesh topology that leads to balanced high-quality meshes in each of the branches. The method is designed for situations where the required number of hexahedral elements is relatively small (∼ 1000-4000), as is the case when spectral elements are employed in simulations at transitional Reynolds numbers or when finite elements are employed in viscous dominated regimes.