Three-dimensional computational study of inspiratory aerosol flow through the larynx: the effect of glottal aperture modulation

In this paper surrogate geometry models for the larynx under sedentary, light, and heavy breathing conditions are used as the basis of a finite element model to assess the effect of glottal aperture modulation on inspiratory laryngeal fluid mechanics. It is found that the glottal aperture can have a profound effect on laryngeal jets, recirculation zones, and circumferential flow. It would be expected that these flow characteristics have an effect on particle deposition within the larynx. Pressure and velocity distributions are given. The results from this study will be used for the calculation of particle trajectories.