Three-dimensional model of the air flow in the human bronchial tree (normal and pathological cases)

Abstract

The paper describes the results of air flow simulations in healthy and pathological human bronchial trees. Analytical formulas are derived for constructing the bronchial tree with allowance for the deviation of the inner surfaces of the bronchi from a cylindrical shape. All surfaces of the bronchial tree are matched with the second-order smoothness (there are no acute angles or ribs). The flow over the entire length of the human bronchial tree up to alveoli is calculated for the first time. It is demonstrated that the pressure difference in the laminar flow in the bronchial tree is twice smaller than that in the turbulent case.