Numerical simulation of aerosol particle transport by oscillating flow in respiratory airways

Particle transport by oscillating flow in a tapered channel or in a tapered tube was computed from the complete equations of motion. These geometries represent a simplified model of the divergent flow field of the mammalian bronchial tree. The computed deformation profile of a line of particles, transported by the oscillatory motion, was compared with prior experimental results and analytical calculations. All three methods agree that there is transport in the divergent direction of the tube by an axial stream of steady drift in the core for moderately high frequency of oscillation (Womersley parameter in the range of 1 to 10). Bidirectional flow is established by an annular stream in the convergent direction, with no net flow on integral cycles of the oscillating fluid. At higher frequency, however, the steady stream transforms to a different shape in the tapered tube, with transport in the divergent direction nearer the walls of the tube, rather than in the core. Transport by the continuing streams with oscillatory ventilation of the respiratory tract should deliver medicinal aerosols of low intrinsic particle mobility to the peripheral regions of the lungs.