Michael Jenkinson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill


Air-Mucus Wave Dynamics in an Emulation of Trachea Flow.


Abstract: We study the transfer of momentum between two states of matter, liquid and gas, in order to emulate and study the flow of mucus through the trachea. By pumping air up a cylindrical tube and injecting liquid into it at the bottom through a slit, we have established a simple model this phenomenon. We have examined the effect of different air and liquid flow rates and slit widths on waves which form during the liquid injection and have also observed a strong relationship between these waves and the movement of the front-most point of the liquid.

Collaborators: Eugene Dumitrescu, Zane Beckwith (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), Richard Parker (University of Chicago)

Advisor: Roberto Camass (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill),