Contact finite element with surface tension adhesion

Abstract

This work is a contribution on the development of a computationalmodel of lung parenchyma capable to simulate mechanical ventilation manoeuvres. This computationalmodel should be able to represent adhesion caused by surface tension and be able suffer collapse and alveolar recruitment. Therefore, a contact finite element was developed and then simulated in a structure with structural properties of the same order of magnitude of a real alveolus. The simulation was performed with the non-linear finite element method. The implementation of the arc-length method was also necessary in order to prevent divergence at limit points. The numerical results of the simulation of a single alveolus, including the surface tension and adhesion, are qualitatively similar to experimental data obtained from whole excised lungs. Both present hysteresis and transmural pressures of the same order of magnitude.