Inverse thermal analysis of the neonatal brain cooling process

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to test the inverse analysis, based on the standard least-square method, which will finally lead to find the appropriate parameters of modelling of the brain cooling process.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the presented in this paper method of inverse analysis the numerical simulations of the bioheat transfer process in the neonatal body were performed. To model the bioheat transfer the Pennes bioheat equation and the modified Fiala model were applied.

Findings

The performed tests of the inverse analysis proved that it is possible to estimate the proper parameters of the process using this tool, but always with the small mistake.

Research limitations/implications

The presented method still requires a lot of tests. The test with the data from real measurements can be very valuable.

Practical implications

The determination of the proper parameters of the bioheat transfer in the neonatal body can finally be used to perform the numerical simulations of the brain cooling process.

Social implications

The performance of the numerical simulations of the brain cooling process in the proper way can finally helps protect newborns’ health and life.

Originality/value

In the paper the attempt of the inverse analysis in order to determine the parameters of bioheat transfer in the newborn's body is made.

Citation

Łaszczyk, J., Maczko, A., Walas, W. and J. Nowak, A. (2014), "Inverse thermal analysis of the neonatal brain cooling process", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 949-968. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-04-2013-0112