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Video: Simulation Shows What Distance Rules And Mouthguards Bring
2023 Author : Hannah Pearcy | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:12
To limit the spread of the coronavirus, many restrictions are currently in place, including the 1.5 m distance rule to other people. Many people also wear a face mask. And especially on the warm Easter weekend, numerous people will enjoy the sun in parks and green areas, even if health authorities keep pointing out the necessary distance.
But what exactly do you keep your distance and wear a mouthguard? The simulation software specialist Ansys has made this clear with the help of its simulation software Ansys Fluent and some partners such as the Eindhoven University of Technology and Ohio State University. The resulting videos show how airborne airborne particles and droplets fly when coughing and which distance makes sense when.
Stand in a group
Two cases were simulated in this simulation. In the first scenario, a group of three people is about a meter apart according to the WHO recommendation. In the second scenario, about two meters. In order to make the simulation as lifelike as possible, scientific data for the cough speed, between 6-28 m / s, were averaged and an average of 17 m / s was assumed. The particle diameters fluctuated in the model between 50 and 400 micrometers (1 micrometer = 0.001 millimeters), the mean diameter was 250 micrometers. A wind speed of 0 m / s was also assumed.
The video clearly shows that at a distance of one meter, droplets of the coughing person land on the face, neck and clothing of the person opposite. At two meters, it becomes clear that the likelihood of a droplet infection drops considerably because gravity pulls the droplets down. If you cough in the crook of your arm, the risk is significantly reduced again.
If the environmental conditions such as wind speed, height and orientation of the people change, the results and your interpretation may change. In addition, the risk is reduced if the distance is increased. However, it will never sink to zero, as the particles float in the air for long periods when the wind is outside. That makes it clear, says Ansys, how important the #WirbleibenzuHause is, the only way to minimize the risk of infection.
Jogging in the park
In many regions it is still allowed to move outdoors. People often use this opportunity to do sports while jogging or cycling. An analysis by Ansys partners Bert Blocken and Fabio Malizia from the TU Eindhoven and KU Leuven showed that in both cases the usual guidelines for social distancing are not sufficient and that considerably more space is required.
When running, for example, you should make sure that there is at least 3 m between you and the person in front. When cycling, this distance should increase to at least 10 m (30 ft). When overtaking the vehicle in front, you should keep a distance of at least 2 m (6 ft).
Difference between bad and well fitting face mask
Even though wearing a face mask over a long period of time can be uncomfortable, it can absorb more than 80 percent of the drops expelled from coughing and sneezing. It is of crucial importance that the mask fits properly, otherwise the effectiveness of the mask will be severely impaired. Without the nose clip, air and droplets can escape when coughing. Contaminated air can also penetrate under the masks of medical personnel or other persons if it is not sufficiently sealed.
