Comparison of Micron and Nano Particle Deposition Patterns in a Realistic Human Nasal Cavity

Abstract

A computational model of a nasal cavity geometry was developed from CT scans and the simulation of the fluid and particle flow within the airway was performed using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. It was found that the deposition patterns for micron particles were highly dependent on the particle inertia and as a result, the majority of particles deposited in the anterior regions of the airway where a change in the flow streamlines was observed. In contrast the deposition for nano particles showed an even distribution of particles throughout the airway, driven by diffusion. Particle diameter was the most important parameter in determining what mechanism of deposition was most important.