Impact of Airflow and Particle Transport in Emphysema within Human Lungs via the Terminal Alveolated Duct

Abstract

Emphysema is the most common respiratory disease. Alveoli are the lung’s smallest structures for gas exchange, where aerosol particle movement and deposition depend on convective airflow patterns. The geometrical model of emphysema is a space-filling single acinar region connected to a bronchiole. Particle deposition along with air flow changes due to the change of the structure of the alveolar sac for emphysema patients. The model consists of an elastic spherical cap (alveolus) attached to a rigid rectangular tube (bronchiole). This study investigates fluid flow and particle transport with the help of a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for the case of emphysema. This study is used to explore airflow patterns, fluid mixing, and particle deposition behaviour under controlled conditions, providing valuable insights into respiratory mechanics and aerosol transport in the lungs of emphysema patients.