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- Title
Tracing the Concentration and the Distance Travelled by the Airborne Droplet Nuclei in an Educational Centre.
- Authors
Abdullah, Zulkarnaini; Jusoh, Zakaria; Muzahidah, Siti
- Abstract
Introduction: It is known that droplet nuclei are the source of airborne respiratory diseases. Cells, electrolytes, and occasionally contagious bacteria and viruses are naturally present in the water drops that come from human breathing, sneezing, coughing, and even perspiration. The core of droplets with a diameter of less than 5 µm stays suspended in the air and moves with the air current, whereas droplets with a larger diameter tend to descend to the ground by gravity. Methods: The propagation distance of droplet nuclei with a diameter of 5 to 6 µm is examined using computational fluid dynamics Ansys-Fluent software that employs discrete phase modelling. The investigation occurred in an infiltrated classroom and an educational theatre where pandemic standard precautions were lifted. Results: It is discovered that at the first 2 m distance, the droplet nuclei concentration is 0.025 to 0.044 kg/m3 and scattered freely with the airflow. In a 30 to 60-second time-flow simulation, the droplet nuclei travel up to 9 m suspended alongside the direction of the airflow. Conclusion: Directing the contaminated 'used air' out with exhaust airflow is preferable with the concentrations dropping to 0.014 kg/m³.
- Subjects
COMPUTATIONAL fluid dynamics; UNIVERSAL precautions (Health); AIR flow; RESPIRATORY diseases
- Publication
Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2023, Vol 19, p1
- ISSN
1675-8544
- Publication type
Article