Large Eddy Simulation of Airflow Structural Characteristics in Real Human Mouth-Throat Model

Abstract

Accurate simulation for airflow structural characteristics in the human mouth-throat model plays an important role in analyzing the filter effect of pharynx and larynx and the diffusion, transition and deposition patterns of aerosol in human upper respiratory tract. Large eddy simulation was used to simulate the airflow movement in human mouth-throat model in the conditions of the cyclic respiratory pattern, and the airflow structural characteristic in mouth-throat model was discussed. The results show that two velocity growth points generated in pharyngeal and laryngeal region; the airflow separates in region near the pharynx and the separation zone appears near the anterior wall of pharynx; A turbulence jet appears in the glottal region and the airflow; the high velocity zone is created in pharynx and larynx, and the phenomenon of airflow separation appeared in the pharynx. In the process of cyclic exhalation, the phenomenon of airflow separation didn’t appear in the pharynx and larynx.