CFD simulation of the airflow through the human respiratory tract

This study compares the effect of extra-thoracic airways (ETA) on the flow field through the lower airways by carrying out simulations of the airflow through the human respiratory tract. Three geometries, consisting of the ETA, CT-derived lower airway, and a combination of the two were utilized in simulations that were performed for transient breathing in addition to constant inspiration/expiration. Physiologically-appropriate regional ventilation for two different flow rates was induced at the distal boundaries by imposing appropriate lobar specific flow rates. Two breathing rates were considered, i.e., 7.5 and 15 breaths per minute with a tidal volume of 0.5 liter. For comparison, the flow rates for constant inspiration/expiration were selected to be identical to the peak flow rates during the transient breathing. Significant differences indicate that simulations that utilize constant inspiration or expiration may not be appropriate for gaining insight into the flow patterns through the human airways.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Azarnoosh, Jamasp

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sreenivas, Kidambi
• Newman, James C. III; Arabshahi, Abdollah
• College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Respiration
• Human physiology
• Biomedical engineering

Licence

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/461

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1608