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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways
Published on: May 9, 2016
Computational analysis of micron-particle deposition in a human triple bifurcation airway model
Z Zhang1, C Kleinstreuer, C S Kim
1Center for Environmental Medicine and Lung Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Abstract:
Steady laminar axisymmetric inhalation flow and wall deposition of micron-size particles in representative triple bifurcation airways have been simulated using a commercial finite-volume code with user-enhanced programs. Assuming spherical non-interacting particles (3 microm=d(p)=7 microm), various inlet Reynolds numbers (Re=500-2000) and Stokes numbers (St=0.02-0.23) were considered. The resulting particle deposition patterns were analyzed and then summarized in terms of deposition efficiencies, i.e. DE=DE(Re,St) Surprisingly high DE-values occur at relatively low Reynolds numbers (e.g., Re=500) in the third bifurcation. The quantitative results are of interest to researchers either conducting health risk assessment studies for inhaled particulate pollutants or analyzing drug aerosol inhalation and deposition at desired lung target sites.

