Numerical flow simulations of a flexible plate attached to an obstacle in crossflow

Abstract

For biomedical applications with relevance to the human upper respiratory tract, the knowledge of the tissue behavior when exposed to a particular flow field is crucial. Moreover, it is important to quantify how the tissue properties affect the biomechanics of the obstruction. Since in-vivo measurements are often not possible, this is assessed computationally by using simplified geometries. The present study is devoted to the analysis of a fluid-structure interaction scenario relevant to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. The dependence of the solution on the most critical parameters of the system is assessed, with the aim of quantifying their influence on tissue self-excitation and obstruction dynamics.