Simplified simulation and visualization of tubular flows with approximate centerline generation

We present a method to efficiently simulate fluid flows through tubular structures such as pipes and blood vessels. The method relies on the structure´s centerline and for that purpose we present an algorithm to generate an approximate centerline of a tubular structure defined by an ordinary polygonal mesh. As an additional benefit, this center-line provides approximations of measures about the tubular structure such as length of regions of interest and cross-section diameters. The fluid is simulated with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method and the fluid-structure interaction is simplified to provide interactive rates. The particles can be colored according to physical quantities to better visualize the evolution of the fluid´s state in narrow and otherwise obstructed areas.