Problem
Most Fontan CFD studies rely on turbulence models that smooth out fine-scale flow structures. I examined whether those missing scales affect clinically relevant hemodynamic indicators linked to thrombosis.
Approach
- Perform extreme-resolution direct numerical simulation (DNS) with LBM in a patient-specific TCPC.
- Compute wall shear stress, wall shear rate, elongation rate, and flow-type metrics.
- Run matched LES cases and compare metric distributions against DNS.
- Quantify where model-form assumptions alter risk interpretation.
Key finding
LES and DNS produced meaningful differences in regions relevant to thrombosis indicators. In particular, LES tended to overestimate low-WSS regions and underrepresent elongation-dominated flow structures.
Why it matters
High-fidelity simulation can change clinical interpretation of risk markers. The DNS setup also provides a benchmark for future Fontan hemodynamics research.