CFD modeling of particle deposition in human airways: Effect of inhalation rate, body temperature, and relative humidity--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Adnan, M., Kampeewichean, C., Tanprasert, S., Korkerd, K., Piumsomboon, P., Tipratchadaporn, S., . . . Piemjaiswang, R. (2026). CFD modeling of particle deposition in human airways: Effect of inhalation rate, body temperature, and relative humidity. Particuology, 108, 99-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2025.11.001

CFD modeling of particle deposition in human airways: Effect of inhalation rate, body temperature, and relative humidity

Muhammad Adnan^{a b 1}, Chanida Kampeewichean^{a 1}, Sorathan Tanprasert^{a 1}, Krittin Korkerd^c, Pornpote Piumsomboon^a, Sasipong Tipratchadaporn^d, Benjapon Chalermsinsuwan^a *, Ratchanon Piemjaiswang^e *

a Fuels Research Center, Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
b School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
c Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
d Faculty of Public Health, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Kasetsart University, Chiang Khruea Sub-District, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon, 47000, Thailand
e Sustainable Environment Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Institute Building 2, 254 Phayathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

10.1016/j.partic.2025.11.001

Volume 108, January 2026, Pages 99-112

Received 10 September 2025, Revised 19 October 2025, Accepted 2 November 2025, Available online 12 November 2025, Version of Record 3 December 2025.

E-mail: benjapon.c@chula.ac.th; ratchanon.p@chula.ac.th

Highlights

• CFD-DPM applied for studying particle deposition in Weibel’s (G0-G5) human airways.

• Airflow rate, temperature, and relative humidity effects on deposition were studied.

• Particle escape and deposition mainly governed by airflow rate and temperature.

• Higher airflow rate increased deposition, while higher temperature reduced it.

• Model predicted asymmetric paths, helping clinicians target high deposition areas.

Abstract

This study examines local particle deposition in an idealized Weibel tracheobronchial model up to six generations (G0–G6). The Discrete Phase Model (DPM) was employed to simulate airflow and particle motion. This study aimed to explore the combined effects of transient airflow patterns and environmental conditions (body temperature and relative humidity). These environmental factors can alter airflow properties, which in turn affect particle transport and deposition in human airways. Results of this study show that airflow rate and body temperature have a strong influence on deposition and particle escape, with airflow rate being the dominant factor. Deposition increases with airflow rate, while body temperature reduces it. Moreover, particle escape decreases as more particles attach to the fluid phase. The highest deposition is predicted in G1. Furthermore, at the outlet, velocity is observed to be considerably higher than at the inlet, and particle trajectories remain asymmetrical despite the airway’s symmetrical geometry. Although this work is based on an idealized Weibel model that cannot fully replicate the patient-specific airways, the findings of this study under realistic environmental conditions provide valuable insights for fundamental research on particle behavior and deposition in the human respiratory system.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Air pollution; Inhalation; CFD; Particle deposition; Human airway

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