Demonstrating Poiseuille’s Law for Entry Level Physiology Students
1. Demonstrating Poiseuille’s Law for Entry Level Physiology Students
Timothy Goodfellow1, Benjamin Greenwood1, Taylor Lund1, Tyler Mann1, Brett Rosiejka1
Advisors: Murray Jensen2 Ph.D, Yolanda Aranda Gonzalvo1 Ph.D
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
2Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
𝑄 =
𝜋𝑟4
∆𝑃
8𝜇𝐿
Q = Volumetric flow rate [m3/s]
r = Radius of the pipe [m]
∆P = Pressure difference [Pa]
µ = Fluid viscosity [Pa·s]
L = Length [m]
Assumptions
- Steady state
- Laminar flow
- Newtonian fluid
Mission Statement
Atherosclerosis is a blockage of blood flow in a vein.
This is easily modeled by Poiseuille’s law, which
governs flow in small tubes. Entry level physiology
students are not given a way to “feel” this law, as they
are only taught by means of textbooks and videos.
This design will provide a tactile understanding of this
law as it relates to hemodynamics and atherosclerosis.
Design Requirements
• < $50
• 24” x 54” footprint
• Each variable independently demonstrated
• Atherosclerosis demonstrated by clotting device
• Visualization of pressure difference caused by
occlusion
Poiseuille’s Law Demonstration
Reservoir Variable System Atherosclerosis and
Heart Simulation
Tubes of different
radii
Different
fluids
Pressure difference
through elevation
Tubes of different
length
Pump device Clot
Magnetic clot
Ball valve labeled
with %
Description of Apparatus
Each variable can be changed while keeping the
others constant, so they may all be tested
independently. For the radius, tubes of varying radii
are used. For the pressure difference, the fluids
elevation in the reservoir can be changed. For the
viscosity, different fluids can be run through the
apparatus. For length, naturally, different length
tubes are used.
A hand pump tactilely mimics a heartbeat,
including systolic and diastolic pressures.
Fluid is pumped over a simulated clot to
demonstrate an occlusions effect on blood
flow. Two u-tube manometers measure the
pressure difference caused by the occlusion.
Easy takedown and storage is also a
distinguishing feature of the design.
Poiseuille’s Law
![Demonstrating Poiseuille’s Law for Entry Level Physiology Students
Timothy Goodfellow1, Benjamin Greenwood1, Taylor Lund1, Tyler Mann1, Brett Rosiejka1
Advisors: Murray Jensen2 Ph.D, Yolanda Aranda Gonzalvo1 Ph.D
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
2Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
𝑄 =
𝜋𝑟4
∆𝑃
8𝜇𝐿
Q = Volumetric flow rate [m3/s]
r = Radius of the pipe [m]
∆P = Pressure difference [Pa]
µ = Fluid viscosity [Pa·s]
L = Length [m]
Assumptions
- Steady state
- Laminar flow
- Newtonian fluid
Mission Statement
Atherosclerosis is a blockage of blood flow in a vein.
This is easily modeled by Poiseuille’s law, which
governs flow in small tubes. Entry level physiology
students are not given a way to “feel” this law, as they
are only taught by means of textbooks and videos.
This design will provide a tactile understanding of this
law as it relates to hemodynamics and atherosclerosis.
Design Requirements
• < $50
• 24” x 54” footprint
• Each variable independently demonstrated
• Atherosclerosis demonstrated by clotting device
• Visualization of pressure difference caused by
occlusion
Poiseuille’s Law Demonstration
Reservoir Variable System Atherosclerosis and
Heart Simulation
Tubes of different
radii
Different
fluids
Pressure difference
through elevation
Tubes of different
length
Pump device Clot
Magnetic clot
Ball valve labeled
with %
Description of Apparatus
Each variable can be changed while keeping the
others constant, so they may all be tested
independently. For the radius, tubes of varying radii
are used. For the pressure difference, the fluids
elevation in the reservoir can be changed. For the
viscosity, different fluids can be run through the
apparatus. For length, naturally, different length
tubes are used.
A hand pump tactilely mimics a heartbeat,
including systolic and diastolic pressures.
Fluid is pumped over a simulated clot to
demonstrate an occlusions effect on blood
flow. Two u-tube manometers measure the
pressure difference caused by the occlusion.
Easy takedown and storage is also a
distinguishing feature of the design.
Poiseuille’s Law](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/1a72ba10-67e4-4401-9b7b-c12c2aca6614-160421194210/85/Demonstrating-Poiseuille-s-Law-for-Entry-Level-Physiology-Students-1-320.jpg)
