Abstract
Recirculation occurs in many cavity flows. In particular, alveolar flow models have been shown to exhibit recirculation patterns. However, many particles that are inhaled by the lungs do not follow this flow. Instead, they may diffuse into the surrounding flow or possess enough inertia to propel them from fluid particle paths. In this study, we construct a minimal model to observe the behavior of inertial particles caught within a recirculating Stokes flow. We find that, given favorable conditions, inertial particles can be cleared from the cavity or deposited on walls. This depends on the strength of inertia in zero gravity, but can be enhanced when gravity and the orientation of the cavity are taken into account. It is also possible for these effects to balance one another, producing a skewed limit cycle. These combined effects may play a significant part in the retention, deposition, and clearance of aerosols and particulates from alveolar cavities.
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