Numerical Simulation of the Air Flow and Micro-Particle Deposition in a Human Upper Airway

In this study flow pattern and micro-particle deposition in a human upper airway are analyzed by a computersimulation model. To evaluate the flowfield inside the airway, the steady and incompressible form of the3-D Navier-Stokes equations are solved. The standard k -e model is used to capture the effect ofturbulence. Also, a Lagrangian particle trajectory analysis procedure is applied and the deposition rates forvarious Stokes numbers under different air flow rates are studied. Comparison of the computer simulationresults with experimental data shows a good agreement if the stochastic nature of the turbulence effect onthe particles motion be neglected. Also, regional deposition of particles is investigated. Particle depositionmainly occurs in pharynx region and deposition in the mouth, pharynx, and larynx increases with Stokesnumber due to inertial impaction.

Keywords:

Human oral airway , Particle deposition , CFD , Stokes number