Justification of a model of an inhomogeneous lung for forced expiration (Q1577589)

A mathematical model of an inhomogeneous human lung is developed under the assumption that the lung can be separated into two regions with different averaged physical parameters characterizing the elastic properties of the lung and the resistance of airways (inhomogeneous lung). The lung components with different physical properties are modeled by viscoelastic porous bodies. The components interact with each other and with the thorax on contact interfaces. The changes in component volumes and pressures at different points of the model are not assumed to be small, so as to make it possible to describe forced respiratory maneuvers. It is hoped that the model developed would describe the effects associated with forced expiration in unhealthy subjects, when the inhomogeneity of the lung is connected with changes in physical properties of the parenchyma and airways in a certain region of the lung.