Figure 2.

Analysis of experimental and computational leaflet kinematics. Experimental measurements show variations over 10 consecutive cycles, with shaded regions showing where 95% of the data fall. For each available valve diameter, the computer model matches the experimental operating conditions, which are different for each valve. Panels A through C compare simulated results to the experimental data for projected dynamic valve area (PDVA), and insets show the simulated displacement of the leaflet tip from the center of the valve. Panels D through F show frequency analyses. Dominant fluttering frequencies from experimental and simulated PDVA signals and simulated tip displacement signals are, respectively, D, 70.97 ± 2.11 Hz, 59.63 Hz, 59.26 Hz; E, 32.74 ± 3.14 Hz, 38.62 Hz, 32.88 Hz; and F, 26.03 ± 1.04 Hz, 21.05 Hz, 26.32 Hz. Smaller valves clearly show markedly higher fluttering frequencies.