Numerical Simulation of Steady Inspiratory Flow through a Multiply Branched Model of the Human Central Airways

摘要

The present paper deals with 2D numerical modelling of steady inspiratory airflow through a three-generations model of the human central airways, whose dimensions correspond to those encountered in the 5th to 7th generations of the Weibel's model. Computations have been carried out for Reynolds numbers in the mother branch ranging from 200 to 1200 in the case of forced ventilation. Simulations demonstrate the, existence of separation regions whose number, location and size strongly depend on the Reynolds number. Airway resistance through the model is shown to be qualitatively in good agreement with available experimental investigations.