RAPID: Developing a computational model for multiscale investigation of regional lung dynamics

The primary objective of this proposed research is to understand the interaction of lung and cardiovascular mechanics with alveolar diffusion at multiple length scales in COVID-19 patients through developing a subject-specific multi-physics and multi-scale computational model. We hypothesize that combining patient-specific imaging with a detailed computational model at the macro and micro-scale model will provide new insights into how COVID-19 infection interferes with normal breathing mechanics and alveolar diffusion in the lungs. Our in silico approach will combine solid mechanics of the lung tissue, fluid mechanics of airflow in the lungs and blood flow in the pulmonary vasculature, the interaction of the fluid and solid at their alveolar interface, and finally, the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide in alveoli with various levels of inflammation present.

Scholars @ ECU