Experimental study on aerosol particle deposition in human upper respiratory tract model / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To examine the aerosol particle deposition in human upper respiratory tract model and explore the pathogenesis of toxic aerosol in human upper respiratory tract. MethodsA human upper respiratory tract model was constructed using ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, and an experimental system was established to measure the deposition efficiency of aerosol particles with different diameters (0.3 or 6.5 μm) at different breathing intensity (30 or 60 L/min) in this model. Results The deposition patterns of aerosol particles with different diameters and at different breathing intensity in human upper respiratory tract model were similar. The deposition efficiency was generally higher in pharynx，larynx and trachea while being the highest in the area of larynx. Conclusions The breathing intensity has a major impact on aerosol deposition efficiency in the model. Larger aerosol particles are more easily to deposit in the model. Inertial impaction and turbulence intensity are the main mechanisms of aerosol particle deposition.