Choking phenomena in a lung-like model.

A simple, continuous, one-dimensional model for the geometry and structure of the bronchial airways is used for the analysis of fluid flow patterns which have been observed in forced expiration maneuvers. Various phenomena within the conducting system associated with flow limitation are investigated: the conditions in which a "choke" (flow limitation) can occur in a compliant system; theoretical flows that are physically impossible; the possibility of having elastic jumps downstream of the choke point; perturbations in the physical parameters of the conducting system.