Heat and Mass Transfer Project 2: Microvascular Heat Transfer

Project Overview

This project explores microvascular heat transfer mechanisms through a detailed theoretical study. Students will analyze existing models, understand fundamental principles, and explore applications in biomedical engineering.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the principles of heat transfer in biological tissues
• Analyze models of perfused tissues and their implications for heat transport
• Study theoretical models of microvascular heat transport
• Explore applications in biomedical engineering, such as hyperthermia treatment

Project Description

Background

Blood flow plays a critical role in tissue heat transfer, affecting temperature regulation and medical treatments. Understanding microvascular heat transfer requires analyzing conduction, convection, and perfusion effects. The bioheat equation models these interactions, accounting for tissue properties, metabolic heat generation, and perfusion rates.

Project Stages

1. Literature Review

• Study heat transfer mechanisms in vascular tissues
• Review the Pennes’ bioheat equation and alternative models
• Investigate models of perfused tissues and their role in heat transport

2. Theoretical Analysis

• Compare different vascular heat transfer models (Pennes, effective conductivity, etc.)
• Examine key parameters like thermal conductivity, perfusion rate, and equilibration length
• Discuss the assumptions and limitations of existing models

3. Case Study Development

• Apply microvascular heat transfer models to a clinical or physiological scenario
• Evaluate temperature profiles in tissues with different perfusion rates
• Propose improvements for biomedical applications (e.g., thermal therapies)

Technical Requirements

• Basic knowledge of heat transfer principles
• Ability to research and synthesize information from literature

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive report including:

• Theoretical background of microvascular heat transfer
• Analysis of bioheat models
• Case study findings and biomedical implications

2. Presentation slides summarizing key results

Evaluation Criteria

• Report Quality (50%): Depth of analysis, clarity of explanation, and accuracy of information
• Presentation (50%): Clarity, visual quality, and understanding of concepts

Bonus Challenges (Optional)

• Develop a simplified computational model for microvascular heat transfer
• Analyze heat transfer differences in various tissue types
• Investigate the impact of vascular architecture on heat transport
• Study pulsatile blood flow effects on thermal regulation

Recommended Reading

1. Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering: Principles and Practices (Robert A. Peattie, Robert J. Fisher, Joseph D. Bronzino, Donald R. Peterson)
2. Mathematical Models of Bioheat Transfer, in Advances in Heat Transfer (C.K. Charny)
3. Special issue on Modeling bioheat transfer processes and thermoregulatory responses, Journal of Thermal Biology

Submission Guidelines

• Submission deadline: TBA
• Format: PDF report and presentation slides
• Groups of up to three members are allowed, with clearly documented contributions
• The best-performing group will present their findings in class