Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 9(7), pp. 2303 - 2316
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090718
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Airflow Patterns and Droplet Spread in Natural Ventilated Classrooms

Jefrey I. Kindangen ^*, Octavianus H. Rogi
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Some infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are verified by transferring droplets and aerosols through the air or direct contact, which is especially dangerous in enclosed environments like classrooms. This paper aims to investigate airflow patterns in a classroom in Manado, Indonesia, and examine the number and density of droplets that could eventually wind up on students' hands and faces in a naturally ventilated classroom. Visualizations using smoke machines and measurements of airflow speed, air temperature, and humidity have been performed in a naturally ventilated classroom. Modeling the initial velocity of droplet spraying and its spread using electric and manual nozzles with colored liquids is equivalent to the speed of talking, coughing, and sneezing. The number and density of droplets are proportional to their distance from the source, with the initial velocity of their spray exerting greater significance. Compared to what is received on the students' faces, the position of the armchair table or the students' hands receive more droplets in terms of number and density. In this condition, gravitational forces play an essential role in the spreading of droplets. More research is still needed on droplet spread with different classroom conditions, such as air conditioning or other methods.

KEYWORDS
Droplet Spread, Natural Ventilation, Classroom, Airflow Pattern

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jefrey I. Kindangen , Octavianus H. Rogi , "Airflow Patterns and Droplet Spread in Natural Ventilated Classrooms," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 9, No. 7, pp. 2303 - 2316, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090718.

(b). APA Format:
Jefrey I. Kindangen , Octavianus H. Rogi (2021). Airflow Patterns and Droplet Spread in Natural Ventilated Classrooms. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(7), 2303 - 2316. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090718.