[Effect of removing turbinate on the airflow distribution in nasal cavity].

The effect of variation of nasal structure on airflow distribution was investigated. Based on the CT images of the nose of a healthy female, a three-dimensional nasal model was developed. Two new nasal models were produced by removing part of inferior turbinate and part of middle turbinate in the left side of the original model. The numerical simulation and analysis for airflow field in the three nasal models was conducted by the finite element method. The simulation results from new models were compared with those from the original model. The airflow rate changed in the two sides of new nasal models. The airflow distribution and the pressure grades varied in the side of nasal model where part of inferior turbinate or part of middle turbinate was removed. The variation of nasal cavity structure will result in airflow redistribution in nasal cavity. The effect of removing turbinate on the airflow distribution in nasal cavity was described quantitatively.