École Nationale Supérieure de
Techniques Avancées

Abstract

The specific dynamic of fluids in a confined environment submitted to mechanical ventilation has been well-described in literature, as a filling-box model. Particles might be injected in this environment, such as respiratory droplets transporting viruses in the case of the Covid-19 crisis. An algorithm was proposed to compute concentration of particles at each time and each level in an axisymmetric box. Their fate is determined by many criteria, such as advection of air due to ventilation, entrainment in a plume, particle settling velocity and ventilation system filtration. Results show settling of particles at a preferential level. Their extraction is possible when adding a vent near the source of particles. Increasing the amount of air extracted by the vent enhances filtration of air to eliminate particles.