Investigation of Performance of an Axial Child Heart Assist Pump with Computational Fluid Dynamics

In this study, an axial flow child heart support pump was designed using pump design programs. The performance of this pump was determined using the kT-kL-w turbulence model with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Body of this pump is manufactured from aluminum block with CNC machining center. The heart assist pump’s impeller, straightener and diffuser were manufactured with 3D printers. Experimental verification of the performance results of this prototype pump determined by CFD simulation was made with water. In the range of 9000-12000 rpm of the pump speed, the flow rate varied between 0.5-5 L/min while the pressure difference varied between 35-95 mmHg. Design pressure of 80 mmHg for design flow rate of 2 L/ min was achieved at 11750 rpm for blood-like fluid. At the end of the work, the wall shear stresses and flow lines in the pump were examined at the design point.