ABSTRACT
The World Health Organization has pointed out that airborne transmission via aerosol particles can be a strong vector for the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Protecting occupants from infectious diseases or harmful particulate matter (PM) in general can be challenging. While experimentally outlining the detailed flow of PM in rooms may require complex setups, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can provide insights into improving the safety of the built environment and the most effective positioning of air-purifying devices. While previous studies have typically leveraged Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approaches for predicting particle propagation, the turbulence length scales accurately captured in these simulations may not be sufficient to provide a realistic spread and the mixing of particles under the effects of forced convection. In this paper, we experimentally validate a Lattice Boltzmann very large eddy simulation (VLES) approach including particle modeling. We also demonstrate how this simulation approach can be used to improve the effectiveness of air filtration devices in realistic office environments.
ABSTRACT
The relevance of aerosols for the transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still debated. However, over time, in addition to distancing and hygiene rules, aerosol physics-based measures such as wearing face masks and ventilating indoor spaces were found to be efficient in reducing infections. In an interdisciplinary workshop "Aerosol & SARS-CoV-2" of the Association for Aerosol Research (GAeF) in cooperation with the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP), the Professional Association of General Air Technology of the VDMA, the German Society for Virology (GfV), the Health Technology Society (GG) and the International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM) under the auspices of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in March 2021, the need for research and coordination on this topic was addressed. Fundamental findings from the various disciplines as well as interdisciplinary perspectives on aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and infection mitigation measures are summarized here. Finally, open research questions and needs are presented.