The mechanical behavior of a mammalian lung alveolar duct model.
A model for the mechanical properties of an alveolar duct is analyzed using the finite element method. Its geometry comprises an assemblage of truncated octahedral alveoli surrounding a longitudinal air duct. The amounts and distributions of elastin and collagen fiber bundles, modeled by separate stress-strain laws, are based upon published data for dogs. The surface tension of the air-liquid interface is modeled using an area-dependent relationship. Pressure-volume curves are computed that compare well with experimental data for both saline-filled and air-filled lungs. Pressure-volume curves of the separate elastin and collagen fiber contributions are similar in form to the behavior of saline-filled lungs treated with either elastase or collagenase. A comparison with our earlier model, based upon a single alveolus, shows the duct to have a behavior closer to reported experimental data.
Denny
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Centre for Biological and Medical Systems, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, South Kensington, London, England.
Schroter
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RC
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs; D004549:Elastin / Q000032:analysis; D008954:Models, Biological; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000502:physiology*
D003094:Collagen; D004549:Elastin