Numerical Prediction of Heat Transfer Patterns in a Subject-Specific Human Upper Airway

Abstract

In this paper, the flow and heat transfer patterns in a subject-specific geometry of the human upper airway is numerically studied. The study was conducted for steady, inspiratory flow associated with quiet normal breathing with a tidal volume of VT = 0.5 L/min and flow rate of Q = 250 cm3 /s. The numerical results confirmed in vivo measurement that the majority of heat transfer process takes place inside the nasal cavity. It is apparent that even for extreme cases (T∞ = −30 °C and Twall = 37 °C), the inspired air approached the body temperature by the time it passes the distal nasopharyngeal region. The air temperature reached the body temperature by the time it is in the vicinity of the larynx.