Deposition of particles in model airways.

The deposition of monodisperse aerosols in models of single lung airway bifurcations was studied. The particles, generated by spinning disk, were in the size range of 4.2–8.8 microns (density 1.3 X 10(3) kg . m-3). The model bifurcations were symmetrical, of physiological size, and based on established morphological data. The effects on percentage deposition (P) of flow rate (expressed as Reynolds’ number. Re), particle diameter (d), tube diameter (D), and bifurcation angle (2 theta) were studied and a generalized expression for deposition based on these variables was obtained, viz., P = 11.04 X 10(5) Re (d/D)2.5sin3 theta. The applicability of this equation is discussed.