Inverse thermal analysis of the neonatal brain cooling process

Purpose – This paper aims to test the inverse analysis, based on the standard least-square method, which will finally lead to find the appropriate parameters of modelling of the brain cooling process. Design/methodology/approach – To test the presented in this paper method of inverse analysis the numerical simulations of the bioheat transfer process in the neonatal body were performed. To model the bioheat transfer the Pennes bioheat equation and the modified Fiala model were applied. Findings – The performed tests of the inverse analysis proved that it is possible to estimate the proper parameters of the process using this tool, but always with the small mistake. Research limitations/implications – The presented method still requires a lot of tests. The test with the data from real measurements can be very valuable. Practical implications – The determination of the proper parameters of the bioheat transfer in the neonatal body can finally be used to perform the numerical simulations of the brain cooling process. Social implications – The performance of the numerical simulations of the brain cooling process in the proper way can finally helps protect newborns’ health and life. Originality/value – In the paper the attempt of the inverse analysis in order to determine the parameters of bioheat transfer in the newborn's body is made.