Analysis of Airflow Patterns and Microplastic Particles Deposition of Various Shapes in Realistic Human Lungs Model using CFDDiscrete Phase Method

Abstract

The presence of microplastics in the human respiratory system raises alarm regarding the adverse effects on human health from the exposure of these particles to airway tracts. Microplastics are byproducts of industrial processes and waste and are chemically hazardous for the human body. Therefore, prediction of deposition patterns of inhaled particles can help in reevaluating risk associated with these particles and indication of parts of human airways that are highly exposed to these risks. In this thesis, a study was conducted on deposition patterns of microplastic particles in human airways and the effect of airflow distribution on the deposition efficiency of these particles inside human lungs. An MRI scanned realistic human lung model was prepared as a CAD geometry on which CFD analysis was performed using DPM. Both spherical and non-spherical particles were injected for analysis. Parametric study was conducted with varying flow-rates, diameters and shape factors, the results of which can help in specifying parts of airways which can be most affected by the deposition and thus can be targeted by drug delivery system for efficient treatment.