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"A Computational Study of Aerosol Transport in Symmetric and Asymmetric Lungs"

"A Computational Study of Aerosol Transport in Symmetric and Asymmetric Lungs"

Date30th Aug 2023

Time03:00 PM

Venue https://meet.google.com/mwu-mnge-vbd

PAST EVENT

Details

Inhalation exposes individuals to a diverse range of airborne particles carrying potential health risks. This study investigates the implications of inhaled particles on respiratory health by employing Computational Fluid and Particle Dynamics (CFPD) approach in conjunction with mathematical analyses. The focus is on understanding particle transport and deposition within the lungs, utilizing both symmetric and asymmetric lung models. Simulating airflow and particle deposition across the entire human lung presents computational challenges due to varying flow regimes and length scales. To tackle that, we introduce a "Y-unit", which essentially serves as a foundational building block. Then we compared the results obtained from them against a fully resolved tree network and multi-path mathematical models. The geometries of the Y-units and tree network model are characterized using Hess-Murray law. The significance of lung asymmetry is explored, shedding light on its influence on particle deposition patterns. By assessing the effect of asymmetry on particle behaviour, the interplay between lung structure and particle dynamics is revealed. Analysis of localized deposition identifies the specific deposition hot-spots in both the Y-unit and tree models, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of particle behaviour in distinct lung geometries. An Eulerian-Eulerian approach is employed to solve flow and particle equations, utilizing the OpenFOAM® CFD package. This multifaceted investigation uncovers intricate deposition patterns of particles in symmetric and asymmetric lung models, enhancing our knowledge of respiratory health risks and offering insights into effective strategies for risk mitigation.

Speakers

Mr. Shouvik Ghorui (AM21S082)

Department of Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering