title: Modelling the human pharyngeal airway: validation of numerical simulations using in vitro experiments.
abstract: In the presented study, a numerical model which predicts the flow-induced collapse within the pharyngeal airway is validated using in vitro measurements. Theoretical simplifications were considered to limit the computation time. Systematic comparisons between simulations and measurements were performed on an in vitro replica, which reflects asymmetries of the geometry and of the tissue properties at the base of the tongue and in pathological conditions (strong initial obstruction). First, partial obstruction is observed and predicted. Moreover, the prediction accuracy of the numerical model is of 4.2% concerning the deformation (mean quadratic error on the constriction area). It shows the ability of the assumptions and method to predict accurately and quickly a fluid-structure interaction.
authors.affiliation: INRIA, REO Team, Rocquencourt, BP 105, 78153 Le Chesnay Cedex, France. franz.chouly@inria.fr
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chouly
authors.forename: Annemie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Hirtum
authors.forename: Pierre-Yves
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Lagrée
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Pelorson
authors.forename: Yohan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Payan
mesh_terms: D000399:Air Pressure; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010614:Pharynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012212:Rheology; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014059:Tongue / Q000503:physiopathology