@article{kleinstreuer_zhang_2009, title={An Adjustable Triple-Bifurcation Unit Model for Air-Particle Flow Simulations in Human Tracheobronchial Airways}, volume={131}, ISSN={["1528-8951"]}, DOI={10.1115/1.3005339}, abstractNote={A new methodology for a swift and accurate computer simulation of large segments of the human lung airways is presented. Focusing on a representative tracheobronchial (TB) region, i.e., G0–G15, nano- and micron particle transports have been simulated for Qin=30l∕min, employing an experimentally validated computer model. The TB tree was geometrically decomposed into triple-bifurcation units with kinematically adjusted multilevel outlet/inlet conditions. Deposition patterns and maximum concentrations differ greatly between nanoparticles (1⩽dp⩽150nm) and micron particles (1⩽dp⩽10μm), which may relate uniquely to health impacts. In comparison with semi-analytical particle deposition results, it is shown that such simple “lung models” cannot predict local deposition values but can match computer simulation results for the entire TB region within 2.5–26%. The present study revealed that turbulent air-particle flow may propagate to G5 for the assumed inhalation flow rate. Geometry and upstream effects are more pronounced for micron particle deposition than for nanoparticle deposition.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME}, author={Kleinstreuer, C. and Zhang, Z.}, year={2009}, month={Feb} }
 @article{comer_kleinstreuer_zhang_2001, title={Flow structures and particle deposition patterns in double-bifurcation airway models. Part 1. Air flow fields}, volume={435}, ISSN={["1469-7645"]}, DOI={10.1017/s0022112001003809}, abstractNote={The understanding and quantitative assessment of air flow fields and local micron-particle wall concentrations in tracheobronchial airways are very important for estimating the health risks of inhaled particulate pollutants, developing algebraic transfer functions of global lung deposition models used in dose-response analyses, and/or determining proper drug-aerosol delivery to target sites in the lung. In this paper (Part 1) the theory, model geometries, and air flow results are provided. In a companion paper (Part 2, Comer et al . 2001), the history of particle deposition patterns and comparisons with measured data sets are reported. Decoupling of the naturally dilute particle suspension makes it feasible to present the results in two parts. Considering a Reynolds number range of 500 [les ] Re D [les ] 2000, it is assumed that the air flow is steady, incompressible and laminar and that the tubular double bifurcations, i.e. Weibel's generations G3–G5, are three-dimensional, rigid, and smooth with rounded as well as sharp carinal ridges for symmetric planar, and just rounded carinas for 90° non-planar configurations. The employed finite-volume code CFX (AEA Technology) and its user-enhanced FORTRAN programs were validated with experimental velocity data points for a single bifurcation. The resulting air flow structures are analysed for relatively low ( Re D = 500) and high ( Re D = 2000) Reynolds numbers. Sequential pressure drops due to viscous effects were calculated and compared, extending a method proposed by Pedley et al . (1977). Such detailed results for bifurcating lung airways are most useful in the development of global algebraic lung models.}, journal={JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS}, author={Comer, JK and Kleinstreuer, C and Zhang, Z}, year={2001}, month={May}, pages={25–54} }