Research

Overview of Research

My research focuses on using computational mathematics to gain insight into the complex process of blood clotting. This includes developing and maintaining an open-source software built on the OpenFOAM v9 libraries called clotFoam.  The solver uses a multiscale approach that incorporates the fluid dynamics of the plasma, platelet activation, transport, and aggregation, as well as the transport of biochemical species that react on the vessel wall and on platelet surfaces.  One of the key strengths of the clotFoam solver is its adaptability and versatility. The object-oriented nature of the software allows for easy modification and customization to suit the specific needs of different applications.  This research contributes to the understanding of blood clot formation and has potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic disorders.

I am an active member of the AMS Math Biology Research Group.

Publications

clotFoam Tutorial

Hemostasis in a Microfluidic Device

Using the clotFoam software, we are able to simulate platelet-mediated coagulation in a variety of geometries.  This is an example of hemostasis in an extravascular injury that is modeled in an in-vitro microfluidic device. Blood enters the right channel while a buffer fluid enters the left channel at a lower flow rate.  The difference in flow rates cause blood to flow through the horizontal channel which is coated with tissue factor and collagen proteins to initiate platelet adhesion and coagulation respectively.   

Relevant publications:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2023.101483  

GitHub project: https://github.com/d-montgomery/clotFoam/tree/main/tutorials/Hjunction3D 

Thrombosis

In this example, we use the clotFoam software to simulate thrombosis from an intravascular injury.

Relevant publications:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2023.101483 

GitHub project: https://github.com/d-montgomery/clotFoam/tree/main/tutorials/rectangle2D