Session: 03-02-02 Bio-Inspired and Biomedical Fluid Mechanics

Paper Number: 87681

87681 - Effect of Physical Partitions on Spread of Respiratory Droplets 

Respiratory illnesses have seen an increased occurrence in the past couple of decades. An increase in the number of pandemics is also apparent with the most recent being SARS(2003), H1N1 (2010), MERS-CoV(2015), and the ongoing COVID-19 (2019). The rapid spread of these pandemics is further accelerated in indoor settings, leading to a re-examination of both the mode of spread and external controls in these settings. The spread of these illnesses is largely controlled by respiratory droplets wherein the virus travels via droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, and respiration. While transparent physical partitions are now ubiquitous in most high traffic settings, the configuration and dimensions of such partitions are yet to be analyzed from a quantitative standpoint. The present study carries out high-fidelity (URANS and LES) numerical simulations employing the discrete particle method (DPM) and incorporating various indoor ventilation parameters in settings that use physical partitions. The simulations will re-examine safe physical distances in such settings based on the spread of infected droplets from coughing and regular respiration. The study will also incorporate the effect of multiple infected individuals in such indoor settings and determine the need for altered HVAC parameters. Results will aim to inform beneficial settings and guide safe indoor occupation.      

Presenting Author: Aarthi Sekaran SUNY Polytechnic Institute