Moens-Korteweg equation

The Moens-Korteweg equation calculator computes the pulse wave velocity, the speed at which the arterial pulse propagates.  

INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the following:

• (E_inc) Incremental Modulus of stiffness
• (h) Vessel Wall Thickness
• (r) Vessel Radius
• (ρ) Density of blood (1.060 g/cm³)

Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV): The calculator returns the pulse wave velocity (PWV) in centimeters per second.  However this can be automatically converted to other velocity units via the pull-down menu.

We REQUEST that someone confirm the units in this calculator.  For corrections or confirmation, please click on the CONTACT US button below.  Until then, this calculator should be used with caution.

The Science

In biomechanics, the Moens–Korteweg equation models the relationship between wave speed or pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the incremental elastic modulus of the arterial wall or its distensibility. The equation was derived independently by Adriaan Isebree Moens and Diederik Korteweg. It is derived from Newton's second law of motion, using some simplifying assumptions.

The Moens–Korteweg equation states that PWV is proportional to the square root of the incremental elastic modulus, (Ei_nc), of the vessel wall given constant ratio of wall thickness, h, to vessel radius, r, and blood density, ρ, assuming that that the artery wall is isotropic and experiences isovolumetric change with pulse pressure.

The Moens-Korteweg formula is:

      `PWV = sqrt( (E_"inc" * h) / (2*r*ρ) )`

where:

• PWV = Pulse Wave Velocity
• E_inc = Modulus of Stiffness
• h = vessel wall thickness
• r = vessel radius
• ρ = density of blood

Approximate Blood Density:

• (1.025 g/cm³: )Density of blood plasma.
• (1.125 g/cm³:) Density of blood cells circulating in the blood
• (1.060 g/cm³:) Density of whole blood for a human.

Related Calculators

• Law of Laplace (Wall Stress) - This computes the wall stress on a heart chamber.