Winter 2013-2014: “Transport Phenomena in Physiological Systems”
Course Number: 337403
Lectures: Mondays 14:30-16:30
Location: Julius Silver Bldg., Room 201
Course objectives: This third-year undergraduate course introduces the engineering basis behind heat and mass transfer. We will introduce and apply concepts of (i) conduction, convection and radiation for heat transfer and (ii) advection and diffusion for mass transfer (Ficks’ laws). We will review the fundamentals of fluid flow including conservations equations and introduce boundary layer theory. Examples will be taken from general engineering problems, with a focus on biomedical-relevant applications (physiology and treatment).
Textbook: Principles of Heat and Mass Transfer
Spring 2012: “Blood Circulation”
Course Number: 336305
Lectures: Mondays, 13:30-15:30
Location: Julius Silver Bldg., Room 202
Course Objectives: This course discusses cardiovascular fluid mechanics (also known as hemodynamics) and its relation and application to vascular implants and measurement techniques in the cardiovascular system. The course focuses on blood rheology, steady and unsteady flow models in the arterial circulation, and fluid mechanics through native heart valves. A brief overview of microcirculation and related flows will be discussed. In particular, the course will delineate the relationship between fluid mechanics and the development of arterial diseases in the coronary, carotid, and ileo-femoral arteries. Fluid mechanical tools will be used to evaluate the design of circulatory implants such as artificial heart valves, stents, and vascular grafts. Moreover, the course discusses design requirements for the development of an ideal artificial valve, including a discussion of the currently available mechanical and bioprosthetic valves. Next, a description of common fluid mechanical measurements used for diagnosing arterial and valvular diseases will be introduced. Finally, a basic introduction to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of the human circulation will be taught, reflecting the rapidly increasing use of computational simulations in research and clinical arenas.
Textbook: Biofluid Mechanics: The Human Circulation
Fall-Winter 2011: “Respiratory Flows & Inhalation Therapy”
Course Number: 336539
Lectures: Sundays, 13:30-15:30
Recitation: Sundays, 15:30-16:30
Location: Julius Silver Bldg., Room 203
Course Objectives: This course discusses (i) the nature of respiratory flows in the lung and (ii) introduces students to the fundamentals of inhalation therapy. We will begin by building an engineering understanding of respiratory flow phenomena, oxygen transport, and the importance of convection and diffusion along the airway tree. In addition, we will discuss the role of surface tension in the lung and analyze dynamics of thin liquid layer flows. Our overall approach relies on analytical tools drawing from fluid mechanics and transport phenomena. Next, we will discuss therapeutic aerosol inhalation in treating airway diseases and infections. Our discussion will based on the governing mechanisms for particle transport and deposition, and looking at interactions between deposited particles and airways. Finally, we will discuss current designs of medical devices for inhalation delivery.
Throughout the course, a strong emphasis will be put on developing physical insight using dimensional analysis, parameter estimations, and order of magnitude assessments. This approach is intended for students to build a tangible and intuitive understanding of the physical mechanisms governing airflow, gas diffusion, as well as particle transport and deposition in the lungs.