Computational Fluid Dynamics Study Of Nasal Cavity Model
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Date
2011-07
Authors
Riazuddin, Vizy Nazira
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Understanding the properties of airflow in the nasal cavity is very important in determining the nasal physiology and in diagnosis of various anomalies associated with the nose. Inter-human anatomical variation for the nasal cavity exists and also differences on physiological morphology are observed based on gender. No specific numerical modeling studies have been carried out to compare and ascertain the effect of gender on flow variable inside the nasal cavity. Also numerical modeling involves various simplifications, for example the postural effect and appropriate boundary conditions which affect the outcome of the airflow studies. The present work involves development of three-dimensional nasal cavity models using computed tomographic images of healthy Malaysian females. A steady state continuity and Navier stoke equations were solved for both inspiratory and expiratory mechanism with flow rates ranging from 7.5 to 15 L/min as laminar and 20 to 40 L/min studies were simulated depicting turbulent flow conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis provided effective visualization of the flow features inside the nasal cavity. The comparison between inspiratory and expiratory mechanism and the effect of different breathing rates on nasal function have been presented. The value of maximum wall shear stress at the vestibule region increased by more than 2000 % as the flow rate increased from 7.5 to 40 L/min. The complicated anatomy of the nasal cavity has been naturally designed to attain the physiological function desired to facilitate normal breathing. The current study has identified certain gender based anatomical and physiological differences. The use of computational fluid dynamic has assisted in the understanding of these differences which could not be earlier quantified based on mere medical observation and measurement devices. The influence of postural changes in nasal cavity has also been investigated. Around 0.3% change in the average static pressure is observed while changing from sitting to supine position.
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Keywords
Understanding the properties of airflow , in the nasal cavity