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Curvature-driven transport of thin Bingham fluid layers in airway bifurcations

Cyril Karamaoun1,2,3, Haribalan Kumar4, Médéric Argentina3,5, Didier Clamond2,3, and Benjamin Mauroy2,3,*

  • *Contact author: benjamin.mauroy@univ-cotedazur.fr
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Phys. Rev. Fluids 9, L081101 – Published 7 August, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.9.L081101

Abstract

The mucus on the bronchial wall forms a thin layer of non-Newtonian fluid, protecting the lungs by capturing inhaled pollutants. Due to the corrugation of its interface with air, this layer is subject to surface tension forces that affect its rheology. This physical system is analyzed using lubrication theory and three-dimensional simulations. We characterize the nonlinear behavior of the mucus and show that surface tension effects can displace overly thick mucus layers in airway bifurcations. This movement can disrupt the mucociliary clearance and break the homogeneity of the layer thickness.

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Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. Fluids 9, L081101– Published 7 August, 2024
  • Received 30 August 2022
  • Accepted 13 June 2024
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