Mechanical ventilation is essential for patients with impaired lung function, but it can also damage lung tissue. Understanding its effects at the level of the tiny air sacs of the lungs, or alveoli, remains challenging, as these local processes are difficult to observe directly.
This research, presented as part of the dealii-X seminar series by Bugrahan Z. Temur and Wolfgang A. Wall, uses computational modelling to investigate the role of surfactant, which reduces surface tension in the fluid lining of the alveoli and helps increase lung compliance. The aim is to better understand its nonlinear and frequency-dependent effects and incorporate them into models that could support future clinical applications.
To do this, the researchers perform numerous highly resolved simulations of complex alveolar structures using the open-source ExaDG software project, based on deal.II. Its efficient solvers and extensible architecture make it possible to incorporate surfactant dynamics and handle the high resolution and large number of simulations needed for this work.
Seminar Recording
Slides Available here
A valuable exchange for the community
We would like to thank Bugrahan Z. Temur and Wolfgang A. Wall for the excellent presentation and all participants for their active engagement.
Stay tuned for upcoming dealiiX seminars and events, as we continue to explore advanced methods and technologies shaping the future of scientific computing.