Three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction modeling of expiratory flow in the pharyngeal airway

Abstract

This article aims to simulate the interaction between a simplified tongue replica with expiratory air flow and compare both laminar and turbulent flow in the pharyngeal airway. A three-dimensional model with laminar and low-Re SST turbulence model is adopted. An Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian description for the fluid governing equation is coupled to the Lagrangian structural solver via a partitioned approach, allowing deformation of the fluid domain to be captured. Examining the initial constriction height ranging from 0.8mm to 11.0mm and tongue replica modulus from 1.25 MPa to 2.25 MPa, the influence of these parameters on the flow rate and collapsibility of the tongue is investigated and discussed. Numerical simulations confirms expected predisposition of apneic patients with narrower airway opening and reduced airway stiffness to flow obstruction. In addition, more severe tongue collapsibility is predicted if the pharyngeal flow regime is turbulent compared to laminar. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.