Effect of geometric variations on pressure loss for a model bifurcation of the human lung airway.

Kang, Min-Yeong; Hwang, Jeongeun; Lee, Jin-Won · J Biomech · 2011

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Characteristics of pressure loss (ΔP) in human lung airways were numerically investigated using a realistic model bifurcation. Flow equations were numerically solved for the steady inspiratory condition with the tube length, the branching angle and flow velocity being varied over a wide range. In general, the ΔP coefficient K showed a power-law dependence on Reynolds number (Re) and length-to-diameter ratio with a different exponent for Re≥100 than for Re<100. The effect of different branching angles on pressure loss was very weak in the smooth-branching airways.

Medical subject headings