Abstract
Critical analysis and classification of rheological models of human blood is the objective of the paper. In the first part of the paper main features of blood and their influence on modelling blood flow are discussed. Various models available in the scientific literature have been analysed and classified on the basis of the mathematical form of equations. Capabilities of the models to account for certain physical features of blood were evaluated. Power laws, commonly used in basic simplified simulations, have simple mathematical form and are not analysed. Among the remaining models, three groups were distinguished and selected for further analysis: Casson type models, be-exponential law and Quemada model. Sensitivity analysis was performed for these models using Morris OAT Design method. Sensitivity of the viscosity predicted by various models, with respect to the coefficients in these models and with respect to the external variable (shear rate), was determined. Importance of the investigated coefficients and their influence on models’ predictions was evaluated. Suggestions concerning identification of coefficients in the models are given in conclusions.