Numerical investigation of flow-induced deformation along the human respiratory upper airway

Abstract

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) was considered to predict the compliant wall deformation in human respiratory upper airway. Timedependent airflow was analyzed by the large eddy simulation technique. The surface deformation along the respiratory airway was evaluated by linear structural analysis via a unidirectional FSI approach without considering the tissues, muscles, and bones surrounding the airway. Human subcutaneous tissue and corresponding animal data were used to establish the mechanical properties of the inner tissues throughout the respiratory airway. Although the lowest local pressure was found near the junction between the larynx and trachea, a relatively large deformation was observed in the distributed area between the nasal cavity and trachea. Furthermore, the mean velocity at the location of maximum deformation is negatively correlated with the pressure but is positively correlated with the deformation amount over time.