A new method of casting human respiratory tract for aerosol deposition studies

A new method of casting the human respiratory tract was developed for aerosol deposition studies. Anatomical data of the tract were translated to three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) numerical data, and the stereo-lithography method using photo-curable resin was used for casting. The larynx region and tracheobronchial region with generation numbers from 0 to 8 (called BB in new ICRP 66 model) were modelled with slices of 0.178 mm thickness. Preliminary deposition measurements for the BE region cast model were made using monodisperse NaCl aerosols ranging from 0.008 to 0.3 mu m in diameter. To date, experimental deposition data have been obtained at low respiratory flow rates below 101.min(-1). Deposition efficiency increased with decreasing particle size and Row rare. Experimental deposition efficiencies were close to the theoretical deposition curve derived from a simple diffusion model for successive straight tubes.