Fluid mechanics of particle deposition in human lungs

• Aim: To develop an ideal Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model, which provides knowledge of fundamental characteristics of particles and their eventual deposition patterns in the respiratory system, to design an effective formulation for a specific therapeutic application (local or systemic) Methods: The whole flow field was measured in a single measurement using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The concept was to add small sized particles to the flow. These particles were then illuminated by a thin laser-layer in the region of interest and the motion of the formed speckle pattern was captured by a CCD-camera. Results: In a preliminary study, the flow in the uppermost three generations of airways, with a focus on branches of rectangular cross-sections, has been investigated. This geometry was easily built from blocks of PMMA. The model captured the main flow features. A qualitative agreement between experiments and simulations was obtained as shown in Figure 1, a snap-shot taken during inhalation. The experiments further enable a more detailed study of the quality and trust of the simulations. The result of this is then applied on a more realistic model of the uppermost airways and the particle deposition simulated (Figure 2). Fig 1 Fig 2 Figure 1: PIV-measurements showing the velocity field, the upper CFD-graph is obtained for a k-? turbulent flow and the lower graph shows the field for a laminar; Figure 2: Virtual model of the upper part of the air-ways. Please notice that the grid was refined for the initial simulations Conclusions: Preliminary studies were initiated with an ultimate aim of developing a complete lung model. Our efforts so far yielded a good understanding of experimental and numerical visualisation of the flow in the uppermost airways and we are currently engaged in quantifying the results.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Strömningsmekanik och akustik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Annan hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Other Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Strömningslära

Fluid Mechanics

Health Science

Hälsovetenskap

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)