Biomaterial Database

The pressure-flow method: some fundamental concepts. 1990

C C Yates, and B J McWilliams, and L D Vallino

School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261.

The pressure-flow method introduced by Warren and DuBois is a useful method for estimating velopharyngeal orifice area. However, this investigation shows that unless geometric similarity of subject and model exists, the value of the flow coefficient k used in the equation to estimate velopharyngeal orifice area cannot be established from model tests. Use of k = 0.65 is questioned as that value is typical of thin plate orifices, a geometry that is not a good representation of the velopharyngeal passage. Values of k from the literature and from steady state tests using a model similar to Warren's are presented to show the effect of various inlet shapes. The influence of inlet shape supports the conclusion that k may be significantly higher than 0.65, conceivably approaching values in the range of 0.9 to 0.97, depending on the orifice geometry.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D010160	Palate, Soft	A movable fold suspended from the posterior border of the hard palate. The uvula hangs from the middle of the lower border.	Velum Palatinum,Soft Palate,Palates, Soft,Palatinum, Velum
D010614	Pharynx	A funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that conducts food to the ESOPHAGUS, and air to the LARYNX and LUNGS. It is located posterior to the NASAL CAVITY; ORAL CAVITY; and LARYNX, and extends from the SKULL BASE to the inferior border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE anteriorly and to the inferior border of the C6 vertebra posteriorly. It is divided into the NASOPHARYNX; OROPHARYNX; and HYPOPHARYNX (laryngopharynx).	Throat,Pharynxs,Throats
D011312	Pressure	A type of stress exerted uniformly in all directions. Its measure is the force exerted per unit area. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Pressures
D012123	Pulmonary Ventilation	The total volume of gas inspired or expired per unit of time, usually measured in liters per minute.	Respiratory Airflow,Ventilation Tests,Ventilation, Pulmonary,Expiratory Airflow,Airflow, Expiratory,Airflow, Respiratory,Test, Ventilation,Tests, Ventilation,Ventilation Test
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012212	Rheology	The study of the deformation and flow of matter, usually liquids or fluids, and of the plastic flow of solids. The concept covers consistency, dilatancy, liquefaction, resistance to flow, shearing, thixotrophy, and VISCOSITY.	Flowmetry,Velocimetry,Velocimetries