A MODEL FOR THE RENAL BLOOD FLOW REGULATING MECHANISM.
Abstract
A flexible tube model of the renal blood flow regulating mechanism was studied from both a theoretical and an experimental standpoint. The one dimensional steady flow equations of a flexible tube subject to an external collapsing pressure were solved using an iterative third order Runge-Kutta technique. The equations were solved for the cases where (1) the collapsing pressure is independent (open loop), and (2) the collapsing pressure is derived at some point upstream (closed loop). Experimental measurements were made on a model (constructed of Penrose tubing) under steady and oscillating flow conditions. The model exhibited flow regulation characteristics similar to those of an actual kidney. The theory predicted the regulation and stability characteristics of the system within about 15%. It was found that the regulation could be improved so that a doubling of pressure caused only an 0.5% change in the flow rate. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0645891
Entities
People
- Robert P. Couch
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology