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A numerical study to help understand the effects of Nasal High Flow Therapy using the Lattice Boltzmann Method

Wessels, B.J. (2020) A numerical study to help understand the effects of Nasal High Flow Therapy using the Lattice Boltzmann Method.

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Abstract:Nasal High Flow Therapy is a treatment method for people with COPD. During Nasal High Flow Therapy, a humidified, heated and moisturized airflow is supplied via cannulas in the nostrils under a high flow rate. The exact working mechanisms are unknown and understanding this can help patients. To study the effects of NHFT, the computational Lattice-Boltzmann method was used which is able to simulate the flow in the complex geometry of the human nose. The Lattice-Boltzmann method is a CFD method based on solving a version of the Boltzmann equation that describes statistical behavior of a fluid. The Lattice-Boltzmann is very suitable for complex geometries and parallel computing but is restricted to low local Mach and Reynolds numbers. A high-resolution grid with more than 1 billion cells was one of the methods used to keep these dimensionless numbers within range. Capturing transitional and turbulent behavior throughout the geometry requires a high-level turbulence model, therefore a Large Eddy Simulation has been performed. A detailed quantification and visualization of the airflow in the nasal cavities is obtained in a geometry obtained directly from a CT-scan. The results show good agreement with experiments conducted parallel in a 3D-printed version of the same geometry.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:33 physics, 42 biology, 52 mechanical engineering
Programme:Mechanical Engineering MSc (60439)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/85590
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