Eitel, G.RWTH* ; Freitas, R. K.RWTH* ; Lintermann, A.FZJ* ; Meinke, M.RWTH* ; Schröder, W.RWTH*

2010
Springer Berlin Heidelberg Berlin, Heidelberg
ISBN: 978-3-642-14243-7, 978-3-642-14243-7 (electronic)

Abstract: The flow in a real human nose is numerically simulated at steady inspiration and expiration. The analysis uses a Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) which is particularly suited for flows in extremely intricate geometries. The nasal geometry is extracted from computer tomography (CT) data using a so-called reconstruction pipeline. Thus, for any nose the surface geometry can be defined and a numerical mesh can be generated. The focus of this investigation is on the analysis of the flow field at steady inspiration and expiration with respect to secondary flow structures. It is evidenced that strong vortical structures appear near the throat at inspiration forming a pair of counter-rotating vortices which disappear at expiration. Overall, at exhalation less vorticity is generated in the flow than at inhalation.

1. 511 - Computational Science and Mathematical Methods (POF3-511) (POF3-511)