Inertial Deposition Effects: A Study of Aerosol Mechanics in the Trachea Using Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Fluorescent Dye

Abstract

This study characterizes the axial velocity and axial turbulence intensity patterns noted in the tracheal portion of a cadaver-based throat model at two different steady flow rates (18.1 and 41.1 LPM.) This characterization was performed using Phase Doppler Interferometry (Laser Doppler Velocimetry). Deposition, as assessed qualitatively using fluorescent dye, is related to the position of the laryngeal jet within the trachea. The position of the jet is dependent on the downstream conditions of the model. It is proposed therefore that lung/airway conditions may have important effects on aerosol deposition within the throat. There is no correspondence noted between regions of high axial turbulence intensity and deposition.