Flow visualization with air and smoke in a bypass graft model under steady flow conditions.

A new technique for visualizing the steady flow of a new type of test fluid is presented that produces quality photographic results at Reynolds numbers typically found in arterial bypass grafts. Room air functions as the test fluid and smoke from burning incense sticks provides the tracer particles. As an example of this new technique, photographic results are presented for a Reynolds number flow of 205 through a Plexiglas model of an end-to-side distal anastomosis with a 45 degrees junction angle. The advantages of this technique are that it is simple, convenient, and applicable to a wide variety of flow conditions found in the human cardiovascular system.