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This research aims to investigate the airflow patterns and particle deposition in a healthy human upper airways. A realistic 3-D computational model of the upper airways including the vestibule was developed using a series of CT scan images of a healthy human. Simulations of the airflow fields in the upper airway passages were performed by solving the Navier-Stokes and continuity equations for breath rate 20 L/min. The trajectory analysis approach was applied to study the particle transport and deposition for the model with and without mucous lining. The presented results revealed that the mucous layer can have significant impact on airflow analysis and there were noticeable differences in the amount of particle deposition in each models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents, use of a technique based on functional imaging and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling in generating useful data that can be used to determine and diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) condition. A three-dimensional nasal cavity model was reconstructed based on computed tomographic images of a healthy Malaysian adult nose. Navier-Stokes and continuity equations for steady airflow were solved numerically to examine inspiratory and expiratory nasal flow. The study showed that, the pressure drop from the choanae to the OSA region was found to be larger than the pressure drop through the nasal passages. Stresses as high as 42.4 Pa were observed in this constricted OSA passageway, which is otherwise not a common occurrence in the normal subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]