A model for aerosol deposition in the human tracheobronchial region

Abstract

An aerosol deposition model in the human tracheobronchial tree based on impaction and sedimentation is proposed. Using this model, a mean deposition radius of conducting airways can be obtained from in vivo T-B deposition data or from physical dimensions of human lung casts. Agreement was found between the model and deposition data for three normal healthy subjects in the literature. Contributions of sedimentation to T-B deposition is estimated to be 42–78% at 250 cm³/sec average inspiration flow rate, and decreased to 8–29% at 750 cm³/sec average inspiration flow rate. Mean deposition radii are estimated to be 0.33 to 0.43 cm and correlate with pulmonary functional residual capacities.