OVER VIEW OF THE PROJECT
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a critical and potentially fatal condition that arises in infants as a result of inadequate oxygen supply and diminished blood circulation to the brain. Failure to promptly identify and address this condition can result in substantial neurological harm and enduring disabilities. In recent times, hypothermia therapy has emerged as a hopeful intervention for HIE, presenting the possibility of safeguarding the nervous system and enhancing the prognosis for affected newborns. The Neonatal body temperature controller, an initiative by the Government of India, aims to protect newborn babies from Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Our client is working with the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka state to develop this technology for usage in Primary Health care Centers in rural and remote areas. We have been entrusted with the task of conducting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, interpreting the results, and optimizing the cooling network design to ensure adequate coolant flow throughout the proposed baby wrap. We are committed to fulfilling this responsibility and contributing to the success of this life-saving project. Our precise CFD simulation practices, deep knowledge in theoretical fluid dynamics have enabled us to optimize the coolant jacket to achieve the desired cooling performance.
HYPOTHERMIA THERAPY
Hypothermia therapy, also referred to as cooling therapy, involves the deliberate reduction of body temperature in infants with HIE. During this treatment, the infant's body temperature is carefully maintained between 33.5°C and 34.5°C for a continuous period of 72 hours. Following this, a gradual re-warming process takes place over a minimum of 4 hours, increasing the body temperature by 0.5°C per hour until it reaches the desired range of 36.5 to 37°C. The primary objective of this therapeutic approach is to decrease the metabolic demands on the brain and shield it from further harm. Cooling therapy has gained significant recognition as an effective intervention in managing HIE, as it holds the potential to enhance outcomes.
NEONATAL BODY TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER
A closed loop cooling blanket is utilized in the neonatal body temperature controller to regulate the baby's temperature. The blanket is filled with a thermally controlled water-glycol medium that circulates throughout. The baby is carefully wrapped in this cooling blanket, ensuring that both the head and the entire body are covered. Under close medical supervision, the baby's brain and entire body are cooled to a temperature slightly lower than the average body temperature for approximately 72 hours. Subsequently, the blanket is gradually warmed to return the baby to a moderate body temperature.
BENEFITS OF CFD ANALYSIS IN OPTIMIZING THE FLOW IN NEONATAL COOLING BLANKET
CFD analysis has emerged as a highly beneficial tool in the design of medical devices. The incorporation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis into the development process of neo natal cooling blankets has provided us with valuable insights into their performance and functionality. Through the simulation of various scenarios, we have successfully identified areas that require improvement, such as enhancing the uniformity of coolant flow and reducing pressure drops, ultimately resulting in enhanced device functionality. Our utilization of advanced turbulence models and accurate boundary layer modelling options, combined with our High-Performance Computing Infrastructure, has enabled us to accurately predict the flow with the utmost precision. Leveraging the precise results obtained from CFD analysis, along with our profound understanding of fluid mechanics, we have been able to make well-informed decisions to optimize the cooling jacket for optimal performance.
CFD MESH GENERATION
The alpha prototype’s 3D CAD model was discretized using a hybrid mesh with fine resolution in the boundary layer regions to capture steep velocity gradients and viscous effects. The mesh consists of approximately 11 million cells, ensuring good mesh quality and adequate flow resolution. Grid independence studies were conducted to optimize mesh density, achieving a balance between computational cost and accuracy. The final mesh provides reliable flow predictions and stable, smooth numerical convergence.
FLOW MODELLING
A three-dimensional, steady-state CFD simulation was performed to analyze the incompressible, viscous, and turbulent flow within the system. Turbulence effects were modeled using the K-Omega Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model, which effectively captures near-wall flow behavior and adverse pressure gradients. A Y-plus value of approximately 0.8 was maintained to ensure adequate resolution of the boundary layer and improve the accuracy of near-wall flow predictions.
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
The CFD model enforces a mass flow rate at the Inlet and a zero-gradient condition at the out. The walls are represented with a no slip condition.
CFD ANALYSIS RESULTS
The CFD analysis enabled a detailed assessment of the flow patterns, pressure distribution, turbulence levels, and vortex formation within the cooling jacket. Simulations were performed at different mass flow rates to evaluate their influence on coolant circulation and overall flow uniformity. The results helped identify regions of flow stagnation, pressure variations, and potential flow inconsistencies. Based on these observations, the cooling jacket design was optimized to achieve more uniform coolant distribution, improve flow performance, and minimize pressure losses throughout the system.
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