Kulkarni, Manali Rajendra2025-01-072025-01-072024-07https://hdl.handle.net/11299/269166University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. July 2024. Major: Mechanical Engineering. Advisor: Victor Barocas. 1 computer file (PDF); vi, 39 pages.Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to pose a significant global health challenge, underscoring the imperative need for the implementation of precise and non-invasive methodologies aimed at early detection and comprehensive assessment of vascular health. Identifying alterations in arterial stiffness has emerged as a crucial indicator of underlying pathological changes. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) a non-invasive measure of arterial stiffness, therefore, plays a pivotal role in the nuanced evaluation of cardiovascular health. This study introduces an ex-vivo innovative approach for measuring PWV, leveraging high-speed photography and image processing techniques to discern aortic tissue stiffness. A specially designed wave generator is fabricated to create a pressure wave within a fluid-filled test specimen, the terminus of which is capped to induce a standing wave. The ensuing dynamic wave propagation is recorded by a high-speed camera operating at a frequency of 1000 frames per second. The acquired images of the test specimen undergo a rigorous process of image processing and analysis to derive essential wave parameters. Subsequent calculations are then performed to ascertain the PWV, a critical metric in quantifying the stiffness of the test vessel through the application of the Moens-Korteweg equation. Beyond the development of this novel methodology, a validation study is undertaken, employing biomechanical uniaxial testing to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its reliability and accuracy. This multifaceted investigation underscores the potential of the proposed technique in advancing our understanding of cardiovascular health assessment methodologies. As CVDs persist as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, the continued refinement of such methodologies holds promise for early detection and intervention strategies in the realm of cardiovascular health.enThesis or Dissertation