Dust transport law and deposition characteristic in coal workers' respiratory tract based on CFD simulations

During the coal mining process, the particle produced enters the worker's body with breathing and likely leads to lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis. In this paper, an idealized model of the human respiratory tract is established, and the gas flow field is simulated using CFD for both steady and unsteady human respiration, followed by analysis of the trajectory and deposition of particle. Results show that during steady state breathing, airflow produces complex changes in the larynx, particles are mainly deposited in the pharynx, and the main deposition factors are impact and particle inertia. In non-steady respiration, the fraction of particles deposited in the inhalation phase is much greater than in the exhalation phase. Exhaling immediately after inhaling in a dusty room and holding the breath after inhaling when using inhaled drug therapy. This paper has positive implications for the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of lung diseases. [Display omitted] •Airflow and particle characteristics in the respiratory tract studied by CFD.•The whole airway was established. Steady and unsteady state modes were used.•Vortices created near the larynx affect the flow field in the bronchi.•Large particles easily trap in upper airways; small ones easily get deep in lungs.