Cyril Karamaoun, Haribalan Kumar, Médéric Argentina, Didier Clamond, Benjamin Mauroy
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The mucus on the bronchial wall forms a thin layer of non-Newtonian fluid, protecting the lungs by capturing inhaled pollutants. Due to the corrugation of its interface with air, this layer is subject to surface tension forces that affect its rheology. This physical system is analyzed using lubrication theory and three-dimensional simulations. We characterize the nonlinear behavior of the mucus and show that surface tension effects can displace overly thick mucus layers in airway bifurcations. This movement can disrupt the mucociliary clearance and break the homogeneity of the layer thickness.
期刊介绍:
Physical Review Fluids is APS’s newest online-only journal dedicated to publishing innovative research that will significantly advance the fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics. Physical Review Fluids expands the scope of the APS journals to include additional areas of fluid dynamics research, complements the existing Physical Review collection, and maintains the same quality and reputation that authors and subscribers expect from APS. The journal is published with the endorsement of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics.