A non-linear multialveolar model of the mechanical behavior of the human lung

A mathematical multialveolar model has been developed which describes the mechanical behavior of the human ventilatory system in healthy subjects, under plethysmograph test conditions. It is based on the morphometric scheme of Weibel (1989) and uses the equations described by Pedley (1970) for modeling the airflow resistance. The 23 airways generations are grouped in four different levels on the basis of similar dimensions and mechanical properties. The dynamic effects of the changes in lung volume and transmural pressure on airway dimensions have been incorporated. In this first approach, the upper airways model is simplified and based on Rohrer´s equation. The simulation results obtained from this model allow the authors to explain and retrieve global parameters available in the usual medical literature and obtained in healthy subjects during clinical tests.