Study of the tumor effect on airflow in human upper airway exhalation using fluid-structure interaction method

The present study is able to calculate the effect of tumor presence on the air velocity and relative pressure in the upper respiratory system as in vitro, using fluid-structure interaction method. Three exhaled airflows of 15 L/min, 26 L/min, and 30 L/min were considered to simulate airflow. In this regard, the velocity reaches its maximum in the larynx and oropharynx. The maximum velocities at 15 l/min, 26 l/min, and 30 l/min flow rates are 6.26 m/s, 10.58 m/s, and 12.14 m/s, respectively, which occur in the larynx. The highest relative pressure was experienced in the trachea. So that the maximum relative pressure in the flow rates of 15 l/min, 26 l/min, and 30 l/min was equal to 19.6 Pa, 51.1 Pa, and 65.8 Pa, respectively. Then, by doubling the flow rate, the maximum relative pressure reached more than tripled. The numerical models presented for the respiratory system can be useful for better treatment attitudes.