MEMS Seminar: Multiphysics and Multiscale Modeling of Cardiac Dynamics

The heart is a coupled electro-fluid-mechanical system. The contractions of the cardiac muscle are stimulated and coordinated by the electrophysiology of the heart; these contractions in turn affect the electrical function of the heart by altering the macroscopic conductivity of the tissue and by influencing stretch-activated transmembrane ion channels. In this talk, I will present an overview of our work to develop computer models of cardiac mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electrophysiology, as well as applications of these models and methods to cardiac fluid-structure and electro-mechanical interaction. I will particularly focus on work on simulating the performance of natural and prosthetic heart valves, and the validation of these models by comparison to in vitro experiments. To develop these models, we are also advancing broadly applicable simulation technology for modeling biological fluid-structure interaction, and I will describe several applications of these methods, including to neuromuscular control of swimming and esophageal transport.

Lunch will be served from 1-1:30 pm.