Our series of simulations provides context to common, everyday scenarios and approximates the effects of social distancing and other protective measures against the spread of COVID-19.
These simulations are intended to assist healthcare and governmental authorities as they evaluate lockdown exit strategies and provide guidance for citizens. In addition, we are sharing them to raise awareness among the general public about the impact of these proposed measures by such authorities.
As governments around the world address the challenge of getting people back to work safely, this simulation demonstrates the importance of face masks. It considers people talking on a train and aims to replicate the physical behaviour of airborne droplets under realistic conditions.
This simulation visualises the interaction between droplets and fluids when we sneeze while practicing social distancing of two meters. It simulates the reach distance of droplets, comparing zero protection to sneezing into one’s elbow. The results show that a sneeze into one’s arm keeps droplets from reaching a person two meters away, while zero protection means those droplets would indeed reach that person.
This simulation shows the potential spread of sneeze droplets through a low-grade face mask. Droplets remain very close to the body, going up into the air instead of directly at another person. Compared against sneezing into one’s elbow or no protection at all, reach distance appears to be significantly minimised.
These simulations leverage Hexagon’s computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, which is used in applications from automotive manufacturing to architecture and engineering, and many more.
Our goal is to apply CFD technologies to improve understanding of ways that the virus spreads, such as sneezing, breathing or speaking in open and closed environments at various distances, for example. These resources are intended as a matter of general interest and to raise awareness using our CFD expertise. This is not medical advice, so please follow guidance from your local authorities.
Simulations help us visualise and understand possible real-world scenarios. We’re in a time of crisis, so we wanted to do everything we could with the tools at our disposal to show the effects of social distancing and protective wear. We hear so much about these measures, but rarely are able to see and experience tangible evidence.
Please feel free to reach out at any time to help your research and reporting. We are continually developing solutions for this ongoing crisis and would be pleased to provide more information or additional resources.
