Airflow Simulation and Particle Deposition in a 3D Rat Lung Model

ORAL

Abstract

Knowledge of the fate of aerosols in the lung is needed to understand the efficiency of inhaled drug therapy. Invasive animal experiments and imaging allows for detailed quantitative comparison with computational modeling. In this study we built a three-dimensional (3D) airway tree model using rat magnetic resonance images. A custom 3D finite element solver was used to obtain animal specific velocities and pressures. Inlet boundary conditions were chosen to match a previous rat ventilation experiment and resistance outlet boundary conditions were selected to match a desired airflow split based on uniform ventilation. The Maxey-Riley particle equations were solved using Lagrangian particle tracking methods with realistic aerosol particle dimensions and density. The particle dynamics were validated using analytical solutions in idealized geometries. The impact of the choice of outlet boundary conditions for airflow simulations is quantified and aerosol particle deposition and distribution within the lung lobes are explored.

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Authors

  • Jessica Oakes

    Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Department of Medicine, Division of Physiology at University of California, San Diego

  • Shawn Shadden

    Illinois Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical, Materials \& Aerospace Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Chantal Darquenne

    Department of Medicine, Division of Physiology at University of California, San Diego

  • Alison Marsden

    University of California, San Diego, Assitant Professor, UCSD, UCSD, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dept, UCSD, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of California, San Diego