Inhaled Mass and Particle Removal Dynamics in Commercial Buildings And Aircraft Cabins

ABSTRACT

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of an aircraft cabin and an indoor commercial space (ICS) were used to characterize the spread of aerosols generated by a coughing or breathing person suffering from a respiratory illness. Occupant exposure to these aerosols was then compared between the ICS and the aircraftcabin. The lifetime of the aerosols, system designs and airflow patterns that reduce their concentration over time were also examined. Differences between steady state and well-mixed conditions were identified and comparisons made between the model environments. The CFD analysis results were also compared to empirical data from a U.S. Transportation Command study that tracked particles introduced by simulated infectious individuals in an airplane cabin environment.