CFD Modelling of The Turbulent Flow in Mathematical Models of The Human Central Airways

The airflow in human airways is numerically investigated in a symmetrical three-dimensional airway bifurcation model using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). Numerical simulations are carried out for two different geometrical models. Based on Weibel's model of human airways, the first model consists of the trachea (generation 0) and the first daughter generation branches. To develop the second model, the geometry of the first model is extended to the second-generation daughter branches. Simulations were carried out for three different inlet velocities utilizing both the standard k-ε-model and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model. The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of the LES model and the standard k-ε-model for modelling the airflow in the human airways. The results show that the standard k-ε-model better predict the bronchial flow in comparison to published experimental data. Moreover, Asthma drug delivery is also investigated. Particles of 9 μm diameters, reflecting the size of common asthma-treatment drugs, are induced at an inlet velocity of 3.03 m/s and a mass flow rate of 200 mg/s.