Computational analysis of micron-particle deposition in a human triple bifurcation airway model.
Steady laminar axisymmetric inhalation flow and wall deposition of micron-size particles in representative triple bifurcation airways have been simulated using a commercial finite-volume code with user-enhanced programs. Assuming spherical non-interacting particles (3 microm</=d(p)</=7 microm), various inlet Reynolds numbers (Re=500-2000) and Stokes numbers (St=0.02-0.23) were considered. The resulting particle deposition patterns were analyzed and then summarized in terms of deposition efficiencies, i.e. DE=DE(Re,St) Surprisingly high DE-values occur at relatively low Reynolds numbers (e.g., Re=500) in the third bifurcation. The quantitative results are of interest to researchers either conducting health risk assessment studies for inhaled particulate pollutants or analyzing drug aerosol inhalation and deposition at desired lung target sites.
Center for Environmental Medicine and Lung Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Zhang
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Kleinstreuer
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Kim
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001682:Biological Availability; D001980:Bronchi / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010316:Particle Size; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012212:Rheology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013499:Surface Properties
D000336:Aerosols