Development and evaluation of a fluidic facemask for airborne transmission mitigation.

ABSTRACT: Recently, a fluidic facemask concept was proposed to mitigate the transmission of virus-laden aerosol and droplet infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This paper describes an experimental investigation of the first practical fluidic facemask prototype, or "Air-Screen". It employs a small, high-aspect-ratio, crossflow fan mounted on the visor of a filter-covered cap to produce a rectangular air jet, or screen, in front of the wearer's face. The entire assembly weighs less than 200 g. Qualitative flow visualization experiments using a mannequin clearly illustrated the Air-Screen's ability to effectively block airborne droplets (∼10⁰ µm) from the wearer's face. Quantitative experiments to simulate droplets produced during sneezing or a wet cough (∼10² µm) were prop

SUBMITTER: Keisar D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9482797 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature