Numerical assessment of natural respiration and particles deposition in the computed tomography scan airway with a glomus tumour

Abstract

The human respiratory tract has a complex airflow pattern. If any obstruction is present in the airways, it will change the airflow pattern and deposit particles inside the airways. This is the concern of breath quality (inspired air), and it is decreasing due to the unplanned production of material goods. This is a primary cause of respiratory illness (asthma, cancer, etc.). Therefore, it is important to identify the flow characteristics in the human airways and airways with a glomus tumour with particle deposition. A numerical diagnosis is presented with an asymmetric unsteady-state light breathing condition (10 l/min). An in vitro human respiratory tract model has been reconstructed using computed tomography scan techniques and an artificial glomus tumour developed 2 cm above a carina on the posterior wall of the trachea. The transient flow characteristics are numerically simulated with a realizable (low Reynolds number) k–ɛ turbulence model. The flow disturbance is captured around the tumour, which influenced the upstream and downstream of the flow. The flow velocity pattern, wall shear stress and probable area of inflammation (hotspot) due to suspended particle deposition are determined, which may assist doctors more effectively in aerosol therapy and prosthetics of human airways illness.