Experimental-computational study of fibrous particle transport and deposition in a bifurcating lung model

Experiments carried out using a lung model with a single horizontal bifurcation under different steady inhalation conditions explored the orientation of depositing carbon fibers, and particle deposition fractions. The orientations of deposited fibers were obtained from micrographs. Specifically, the effects of the sedimentation parameter (γ), fiber length, and flow rate on orientations were analyzed. Our results indicate that gravitational effect on deposition cannot be neglected for 0.0228 < γ < 0.247. The absolute orientation angle of depositing fibers decreased linearly with increasing γ for values 0.0228 < γ < 0.15. Correspondence between Stokes numbers and γ suggests these characteristics can be used to estimate fiber deposition in the lower airways. Computer simulations with sphere-equivalent diameter models for the fibers explored deposition efficiency vs. Stokes number. Using the volume-equivalent diameter model, our experimental data for the horizontal bifurcation were replicated. Results for particle deposition using a lung model with a vertical bifurcation indicate that body position also affects deposition.