DESCRIPTION OF DYNAMIC LUNG FLUID TRANSPORT PHENOMENA BY LINEAR NON-EQUILIBRIUM THERMODYNAMIC EQUATIONS

We propose a mathematical model of dynamic lung transvascular fluid flow based on linear non-equilibrium thermodynamic equations. The model makes use of experimental results concerning lung fluid balance during hydrodynamic and hypooncotic loading. An 'inexact problem' solution method was employed to solve the mathematical problem and to obtain coefficients of mass transfer. Transport features dependent on the system's condition and on boundary phase surface phenomena were also considered. A complex analysis of such a multi-unit system as the lung is useful for the evaluation of fluid balance mechanisms and their application to the development of artificial mass exchange devices. © 1990.