UC San Diego

Aortic dissection, a critical cardiovascular condition with life-threatening implications, is distinguished by the development of a tear and its propagation within the aortic wall. A thorough understanding of the initiation and progression of these tears, or cracks, is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This paper undertakes a fracture mechanics approach to delve into the mechanics of tear propagation in aortic dissection. Our objective is to elucidate the impact of geometric and material parameters, providing valuable insights into the determinants of this pivotal cardiovascular event. Through our investigation, we have gained an understanding of how various parameters influence the energy release rate for tear propagation in both longitudinal and circumferential directions, aligning our findings with clinical data.