[A numerical simulation of the aerodynamics of the nasal cavity]

We present the results of the numerical simulation of the flow in the nasal cavity, going from the tip of the nostril to the nasopharyngeal region. The volume of the nasal cavity, obtained from axial and coronal scans, takes into account the geometries of the nasal valve and turbinates. The simulation is carried out with the FLUENT code which solves the equations of fluid mechanics. The obtained results for the inspiratory phase are analyzed from the velocities and pressures, paying special attention to the separation of the streamlines in the region located between the middle meatus and the olfactory area. The presented results show the potential of simulation when used in parallel with the clinical approach.