Session: 03-02-02 Bio-Inspired and Biomedical Fluid Mechanics

Paper Number: 87729

87729 - Computational Modeling of the Effects of Total Inferior or Middle Turbinectomy on the Heat and Moisture Transfer, and Microparticle Filtration in a Human Nasal Cavity 

Total Inferior and total middle turbinectomy operations alter the anatomy of the human nasal cavity. In addition, complete resection of a turbinate can change the airflow, heat and moisture transfer, and the nasal cavity's aerosol filtration. The present work investigated the effects of these surgeries using a numerical modeling approach. First, a realistic computational model of the nasal cavity was developed using the computed tomography scan images of a healthy person. Then, two virtual total turbinectomy operations were performed for either the inferior or middle turbinate. The flow dynamics, heat, and moisture transfer were investigated using the CFD for a laminar flow corresponding to the rest condition. The corresponding governing equations of continuity, Navier-Stokes, energy, and species transport were solved numerically in three developed computational models for the pre-and post-operation of the nasal passage. In addition, the penetration and deposition of the inhaled spherical microparticles of different sizes were analyzed, and the results for the pre-and post-operation airways were compared. Finally, the Lagrangian equation of motion of microparticles was solved. The simulation results showed significant changes in the physiology of the nasal cavity regarding the heating, humidifying, and aerosol filtration efficiency. The details of the heat and moisture transfer and particle deposition were described, and results for the healthy nasal passage and two post-operation models were compared.

Presenting Author: Goodarz Ahmadi Clarkson Univ