Modelling of air flows and gas exchange in the human lung
This talk aims at describing some models of the respiratory system. The mechanical response of the lung can be described by either sophisticated models based on (Navier-)Stokes flows or simple mass-spring models, that are accurate enough to predict the behaviour of the system during a complex dynamical situation (the forced inspiratory-expiratory maneuver that is performed during spirometric evaluations). Oxygen absorption models are also described in order to observe the effects of changes in the parameters of the mechanical model in the efficiency of the lung. In particular, the models suggest that the airway smooth muscle (which is directly related to the bronchial rigidity) could have a structural function, to confer transport optimized mechanical properties to the bronchial tree.
