Effects of alveolated duct structure on aerosol kinetics. II. Gravitational sedimentation and inertial impaction.

We studied the effects of alveolated duct structure on deposition processes for particle diameters > or = 1 micron. For such large particles, Brownian motion is insignificant but gravity and inertial forces play an important role. A Lagrangian description of particle dynamics in an alveolated duct flow was developed, and computational analysis was performed over the physiologically relevant range. At low flow rates gravity caused deposition. Gravitational cross-streamline motion depended on the coupled effects of curvature of gas streamlines and duct orientation relative to gravity. The detailed convective flow pattern was an important factor in determining deposition. At higher flow rates, inertial impaction contributed markedly to deposition. The curved nature of streamlines again played a major role on deposition, but duct orientation had little effect. In the medium range of flow rates, both gravitational and inertial forces simultaneously influenced particle motion. Particle inertia, per se, did not cause deposition but substantially suppressed gravitational deposition. The deposition mechanism was complex; contrary to what is often assumed in past analyses, the interaction between gravitational and inertial effects could not be described in a simple additive fashion. We conclude that the structure of the alveolar duct has an important role in gravitational sedimentation and inertial impaction in the lung acinus.