During a pandemic, protective measures to prevent bio-aerosol based infections, such as Corona Virus Infection Disease 19 (COVID 19), are very important. A mechanical protection to block the spreading of the droplets and aerosols may have the potential to lower the risk of an infection. Face masks can block the aerosols partially only, especially every day simpler face masks, depending also on how well the person is wearing it. Classroom situations with unprotected communication of the children are fundamental from the pedagogical and psychological point of view for a normal psychosocial development and teaching situation. Partition walls around the persons can provide a substantial standardized mechanical protection against the spreading of droplets and aerosols, either as an additional protection to face masks or as an alternative protection.&nbsp;In the present research work the protection effectiveness of partition walls was investigated through flow visualization. With human similar figure heads, fog generators, line lasers and a classroom like setup with protective walls, flow visualization experiments were performed. Five flow visualization experiments were performed to investigate the effectiveness of face masks and partition walls and to compare them: 1) effectiveness of face masks; 2) protection effectiveness of partition walls against direct fog impact; 3) effectiveness of a fan suction system; 4) protection effectiveness of partition walls in classrooms without face masks; 5) protection effectiveness of face masks in classrooms. These experiments were recorded on video and are shown in this contribution.

Flow Visualization of Protection Effectiveness of Partition Walls and Face Masks

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/FEDSM/FEDSM2021/volume/85284

ASME 2021 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting (FEDSM2021)

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