Modelling And Analysis of Mucus Transport in Diseased Airways Effects of Constriction of Airway Diameter

Abstract

newline This thesis consists of seven chapters. It considers co-axial flow of moist air, mucus, and serous fluid as Newtonian fluid to investigate the effects of constriction of airway diameter due to prolonged mild cough or prolonged cough or mild cough on mucus transport in pathological conditions. In chapter 1, the general introduction of the human airway system with the anatomy of the lungs, airway lining, and physiology of resistance and constriction, comprises information for many diseases gathered from the internet and a literature review of research work done by a large number of investigators related to our study on mucus transport in normal and diseased individuals. Chapter 2 deals with the mathematical modelling of mucus transport in a diseased airway by considering a two-layer model of circular constriction with constant thickness. The effect of constriction on mucus transport, varying viscosity, and flow rates has been investigated. Chapter 3 deals with the mathematical modelling of mucus transport in diseased airways by considering a two-layer model, as discussed in chapter 2. However, in this chapter, circular constriction with variable thickness has been considered. Chapter 4 deals with a three-layer model of circular constriction with constant thickness in the serous layer. This problem is studied by including variations in constriction height with variations in mucus and serous fluid viscosity. Chapter 5 deals with the mathematical modelling of mucus transport in diseased airways by considering a three-layer model, as discussed in chapter 4. However, in this chapter, a circular constriction with variable thickness in the serous layer is considered. In chapter 6 a mathematical model, of mucus transport in diseased airways in which the mucus layer has a circular constriction of constant thickness and the airflow is mildly turbulent resulting the mucus layer is not turbulent, has been modelled. The transport effect of constriction and viscosity in all layers is studied. Chapter 7 consists of a two-layer model that is discussed in chapter 3. However, in this chapter, circular constriction with variable thickness has been considered.