When Shape Matters: CFD Insights Into Non-spherical Particle Deposition in the Human Nose

Wedel J, Horvat ID, Farías NC, Steinmann P, Hriberšek M, Ravnik J (2026)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2026

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

Book Volume: 2173 LNNS

Pages Range: 136-145

Conference Proceedings Title: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Event location: Maribor, SVN

ISBN: 9783032301581

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-30159-8_12

Abstract

Inhalation of airborne particulate matter poses significant risks to human health, particularly when particles are non-spherical and capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system. Fibrous and elongated particles, such as asbestos fibers and microplastic fragments, exhibit complex transport and deposition behavior due to their orientation-dependent dynamics. Despite their relevance, most computational studies of nasal particle transport still rely on spherical approximations or simplified shape-factor models, which neglect particle rotation and orientation effects. In this work, we present a computational study of non-spherical particle transport and deposition in an averaged human nasal cavity using an Euler–Lagrangian framework with explicit resolution of particle rotation. Steady-state inhalation flows representative of resting and moderate activity conditions are simulated, and the influence of particle size, shape, and breathing rate on deposition efficiency is analyzed. The results demonstrate that both particle elongation and flow rate strongly affect particle deposition. Comparisons with commonly used shape-factor-based models reveal systematic deviations, particularly for highly elongated particles. These findings underline the importance of orientation-resolved particle modeling for accurate prediction of nasal exposure and for applications in health risk assessment and intranasal drug delivery.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jana Wedel Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik (LTM) Paul Steinmann Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik (LTM)

Involved external institutions

University of Maribor (UM) / Univerza v Mariboru SI Slovenia (SI) Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) ES Spain (ES)

How to cite

APA:

Wedel, J., Horvat, I.D., Farías, N.C., Steinmann, P., Hriberšek, M., & Ravnik, J. (2026). When Shape Matters: CFD Insights Into Non-spherical Particle Deposition in the Human Nose. In Gregor Harih, Vasja Plesec (Eds.), Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (pp. 136-145). Maribor, SVN: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH.

MLA:

Wedel, Jana, et al. "When Shape Matters: CFD Insights Into Non-spherical Particle Deposition in the Human Nose." Proceedings of the 10th International Digital Human Modeling Symposium, DHM 2026, Maribor, SVN Ed. Gregor Harih, Vasja Plesec, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026. 136-145.

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