Computational methods for continuum models of platelet aggregation

Platelet aggregation plays an important role in blood clotting. Numerical methods for simulating the behavior of Fogelson's continuum models of platelet aggregation have been developed which involve: (1) multidimensional high-resolution finite difference schemes for advective transport, and (2) a hybrid finite-difference and spectral method for the model's link evolution equation. This equation is a partial differential equation in four spatial dimensions and time. The influence of new chemically-induced activation, link formation, and shear-induced link breaking are investigated as a step toward exploring the embolization process. The mechanical characteristics of the platelet aggregate composite material are also examined using the new numerical methods.