Introduction to Cardiovascular Mechanics for Engineers

Have you ever wondered how the physical principles of mechanics govern the human heart and blood vessels? Cardiovascular disease remains a leading global health concern, and understanding the mechanical forces at play is crucial for developing medical devices, diagnostic tools, and treatments. This course bridges the gap between engineering mechanics and human biology, helping you analyze the circulatory system through a scientific lens. This text-based course guides you from foundational physiological concepts to advanced mechanical models of the cardiovascular system. You will learn to analyze pressure-flow relationships, vessel wall mechanics, and the fluid dynamics of blood. What you'll learn: Understand core anatomical structures and physiological functions of the heart and vascular network. Apply fluid mechanics principles to model blood flow behavior in different vessel types. Analyze solid mechanics to understand how blood vessels deform and adapt under pressure. Study the mechanical properties of heart valves and the dynamics of the cardiac cycle. Explore modern computational modeling concepts used to simulate cardiovascular flow. This course begins with essential biological terminology and foundational mechanical concepts before progressing to mathematical formulations and practical engineering applications. It is designed for engineering students, biomedical enthusiasts, and researchers who are new to biomechanics. No prior medical background is required to begin. Gain a solid foundation in cardiovascular physics and start analyzing human circulation today.