In previous studies of prosthetic heart valve fluid dynamics, Reynolds stresses have typically been determined at specific locations upstream and downstream of the valve (e.g. [1,2]). In such studies, the Reynolds stress magnitudes have been used to evaluate the turbulent stress fields near the valve. However, to assess the Reynolds stresses effect on the valve's potential for blood element damage, the volume of blood exposed to the Reynolds stresses and the blood's time of exposure should also be considered. A new technique described here incorporates these factors to evaluate prosthetic heart valve performance.
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