Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Modeling and Simulations of Olfactory Drug Delivery with Passive and Active Controls of Nasally Inhaled Pharmaceutical Aerosols
Published on: May 20, 2016
The Effect of Segmentation Threshold on Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Nasal Airflow
Bryce Noblitt1, John Higgins2, Katherine Kopytek3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kentucky.
Background:
The objective analysis of nasal airflow stands to benefit greatly from the adoption of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methodologies. In this emerging field, no standards currently exist in regard to the ideal modeling parameters of the nasal airway. Such standards will be necessary for this tool to become clinically relevant.
Methods:
Human nasal airways were modeled from a healthy control, segmented, and analyzed with an in-house immersed boundary method. The segmentation Hounsfield unit (HU) threshold was varied to measure its effect in relation to airflow velocity magnitude and pressure change.
Findings:
Surface area and volume have a linear relationship to HU threshold, whereas CFD variables had a more complex relationship.
Interpretation:
The HU threshold should be included in nasal airflow CFD analysis. Future work is required to determine the optimal segmentation threshold.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Laminar Flow: Problem Solving
Bernoulli's Equation for Flow Normal to a Streamline
The pressure difference depends on the fluid's velocity and radius of curvature. The pressure variation is minimal in flows with nearly straight streamlines.
Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures...
Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates
Steady, Laminar Flow in Circular Tubes

