Proposal of a Mask and Its Performance Analysis with CFD for an Enhanced Aerodynamic Geometry That Facilitates Filtering and Breathing against COVID-19

Abstract

As a result of the recent events associated with the SARS-CoV-2 around the world, there has been a need for research to strengthen health care. The use of masks or respirators has been an effective measure, reducing the risk of contagion caused by the spread of the virus in public places. Currently, there are masks that retain up to 99% of particles >0.3 microns; however, they lack an airtight seal with the face, leading to discomfort and poor protection in conditions without social distancing and areas without ventilation. The device proposed in this study includes a geometric design of static valves with convergent spirals and interior baffles that promotes enhanced aerodynamics with bidirectional flow. According to the analysis and CFD simulation of the proposed reusable, washable, and economic mask and valve system for breathing, coughing, and sneezing events, enhanced air exchange could be maintained, facilitating a higher inhalation flow through the side of the mask (62%) and a higher exhalation through the front of the mask (74%), thereby avoiding the recirculation of the flow to the interior of the mask. The inclusion of filters with KN95 characteristics in the inlets and outlets maintains velocities below 10 cm/s, reducing the probability of infection.

Effect of ceiling fan in mitigating exposure to airborne pathogens and COVID-19

“…Furthermore, amongst different activities to evaluate the fit factor of different masks; talking has a greater effect on reducing the overall fit factor for the sealed surgical masks than for the N95 mask. To address the fitting issue of masks, López‐Rebollar 69 designed a mask using valves and deflectors inside the mask. Through CFD analysis, they found that the exhaled air flow had a long time and recirculation path within the mask before exiting.…”

Numerical Study of Indoor Oil Mist Particle Concentration Distribution in an Industrial Factory Using the Eulerian–Eulerian and Eulerian–Lagrangian Methods

“…CFD enables the analysis of gas phase and particle contaminant concentration distributions in two-phase flows, as well as particle deposition [10]. The significance of IAQ, both in industrial and general settings, has become increasingly evident during the current pandemic, along with the numerous health risk assessments associated with the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 [11][12][13][14][15][16]. By leveraging CFD tools to study aerosol and particle dispersion, researchers have gained insights into the effective control and management of industrial indoor air quality.…”