RESUMEN

Objective To study the vortex structure and vortex evolution induced by jets in mouth-pharynx area, so as to deepen the understanding of jet motion characteristics and disease prevention in mouth-pharynx area. Methods CT scanning and 3D reconstruction were used to construct 3D model of realistic human mouth-throat model, and the method of large eddy numerical simulation was used to accurately simulate the process of vortex evolution in the model. ResultsIn the phase of inhalation, several vortex tubes were formed in mouth, and a turbulence jet appeared in the glottal region. In the phase of exhalation, the intense jet in the glottal region caused complex vortex structures in throat. Conclusions During inhalation, transition occurrs in the pharynx, and the “horseshoe vortexes” which are similar to the shape of horseshoe appeared on the anterior wall of the trachea. During exhalation, “arch vortex” are formed on the posterior wall of throat with the barrier of epiglottis.