Simulation of Interpersonal Transport of Expiratory Droplets and Droplet Nuclei between Two Standing Manikins

Interpersonal transport of expiratory droplets and droplet nuclei constitutes a prerequisite for the transmission of pathogens as well as the transmission of respiratory diseases. Numerical simulations considering droplet evaporation and droplet nucleus sizes were carried out, using two detailed numerical breathing thermal manikins and a full-scale test room model. Displacement ventilation with a ventilation rate of 6 h-1 was used to introduce ventilation air into the room. Two manikins were set to breathing periodically and their breathing functions were identical and synchronized. The number of droplet nuclei inhaled by the susceptible manikin and the numbers of droplet nuclei deposited on the surfaces of the susceptible manikin, e.g. face, front, etc. were recorded at separation distances of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 m. In our preliminary study, for one breath from the source person, 1,600 droplets with an initial diameter of 100 μm were released. All the droplets became droplet nuclei within 16 seconds. Three (3) and nine (9) droplet nuclei were inhaled by the susceptible person at a mutual distance of 0.5 and 1.0 m, respectively. No droplet nuclei were inhaled at 1.5 and 3.0 m. This result illustrates the existence of direct spray route of the interpersonal transport of expiratory droplets