Study of flows in physiologically realistic patient specific airway models

The paper presents the development of techniques to study flows in human conducting airways aimed at improving understanding of underlying mechanisms in asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The models developed are made through additive layer manufacturing (ALM) of segmented lung Computed Tomography (CT) scans. The flow dynamics in these models are studied using time-resolved stereo PIV. Results are presented for various lung models including different geometries as well as different material properties to allow differentiating between flow effects due to geometry and wall compliance