Computational fluid dynamics modeling for Respiratory airflow patterns of python regius

Update Item Information
Publication Type honors thesis
School or College College of Engineering
Department Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor Colleen Farmer
Creator Sowards, Steffan
Title Computational fluid dynamics modeling for Respiratory airflow patterns of python regius
Date 2018
Description The phylogenetic distribution and mechanisms underpinning unidirectional pulmonary airflow, in which gases pass through a portion of the lung in an identical direction during both aspiration and expiration, are poorly understood. Until recently, it was thought this pattern of flow required unique features of the avian respiratory system. squamates, which exhibit a whole gamut of respiratory structures distinct from those of the avian lung. In order to further elucidate the phyletic distribution of this pattern of flow, and to elucidate mechanisms and anatomy that produce aerodynamic valves among diapsids, a mathematical model of the pulmonary system of Python regius was constructed using computed tomography (CT) and by segmenting regions of interest of these CT data. This model served as the domain for a computation fluid dynamics simulation of pulmonary airflow. The Pythonidae oulmonary system is characterized by a proximal faveolar region where gas exchange occurs, as well as a distal sac-like region that is hypothesized to serve as an air reservoir and may be responsible for the bulk of respiratory airflow. simulated pulmonary airflow in a static model exhibits cranial flow during both inspiration and expiration along the central and dorsal portion of the right faveolar lung. A dynamic model, where moving walls serve as the boundary conditions and drive airflow in and out of the lung, may provide additional information about flow during all phases of ventilation. An understanding of the type of airflow observed in the Pythonidae respiratory system and the structural features contributing to unidirectional airflow has implications for the understanding of the evolution of the vertebrate respiratory system as well as the optimization of future engineered prosthetic pulmonary solutions.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Language eng
Rights Management (c) Steffan Sowards
Format Medium application/pdf
Permissions Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6h75tsq
ARK ark:/87278/s6h474kg
Setname ir_htoa
ID 1557723
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6h474kg
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