A Lagrangian Approach for Calculating Microsphere Deposition in a One-Dimensional Lung-Airway Model

Abstract

Using the open-source software openfoam as the solver, a novel approach to calculate microsphere transport and deposition in a 1D human lung-equivalent trumpet model (TM) is presented. Specifically, for particle deposition in a nonlinear trumpetlike configuration a new radial force has been developed which, along with the regular drag force, generates particle trajectories toward the wall. The new semi-empirical force is a function of any given inlet volumetric flow rate, micron-particle diameter, and lung volume. Particle-deposition fractions (DFs) in the size range from 2 μm to 10 μm are in agreement with experimental datasets for different laminar and turbulent inhalation flow rates as well as total volumes. Typical run times on a single processor workstation to obtain actual total deposition results at comparable accuracy are 200 times less than that for an idealized whole-lung geometry (i.e., a 3D-1D model with airways up to 23rd generation in single-path only).

Numerical modeling of particle deposition in ferret airways: A comparison with humans

“…The one-dimensional models can fulfill the calculations with a good accuracy but cannot provide detailed local deposition patterns that play a key role in the development of lung diseases even cancer (Bal ash azy et al 2003). The local deposition patterns can be effectively demonstrated by three-dimensional (3D) models (Nowak et al 2003;Martin and Finlay 2007;Gemci et al 2008;Tian et al 2011;Kolanjiyil and Kleinstreuer 2013;Winkler-Heil et al 2014;Vaish 2015). On the other hand, only a few studies have done in vitro experiments in which the models were part of the human lung.…”