title: A novel modelling approach to energy transport in a respiratory system.
abstract: In this paper, energy transport in a respiratory tract is modelled using the finite element method for the first time. The upper and lower respiratory tracts are approximated as a 1-dimensional domain with varying cross-sectional and surface areas, and the radial heat conduction in the tissue is approximated using the 1-dimensional cylindrical coordinate system. The governing equations are solved using 1-dimensional linear finite elements with convective and evaporative boundary conditions on the wall. The results obtained for the exhalation temperature of the respiratory system have been compared with the available animal experiments. The study of a full breathing cycle indicates that evaporation is the main mode of heat transfer, and convection plays almost negligible role in the energy transport. This is in-line with the results obtained from animal experiments.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering and Rheology Group, Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK.
authors.forename: Perumal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nithiarasu
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering and Rheology Group, Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK.
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sazonov
mesh_terms: D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature
keywords: convection; evaporation; finite element method; heat transfer; respiratory system; stabilised method