Flow dynamics of droplets expelled during sneezing

• Published in: Physics of Fluids Vol. 33; no. 11; pp. 111901 - 111909
• Main Authors: Bahl, Prateek, de Silva, Charitha, MacIntyre, C. Raina, Bhattacharjee, Shovon, Chughtai, Abrar Ahmad, Doolan, Con
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Institute of Physics 01.11.2021; AIP Publishing LLC
• Subjects: Droplets; Dynamics; Fluid dynamics; Head movement; Particle tracking; Particle tracking velocimetry; Physics; Sneezing
• ISSN: 1070-6631; 1089-7666; 1070-6631
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0067609

Respiratory infections transmit through droplets and aerosols generated by the infected individual during respiratory emissions. It is essential to study the flow dynamics of these emissions to develop strategies for mitigating the risk of infection. In particular, the dynamics of droplets expelled during violent exhalations such as sneezing is crucial, but has received little attention to date. Here, for the first time, we present the results of droplet dynamics of 35 sneezes, obtained from four volunteers, using particle tracking velocimetry experiments. Our results reveal a mean droplet velocity of 2–5.4 m/s across the different subjects. These values are significantly lower than what is usually assumed in the studies simulating or replicating sneezes. Furthermore, the large variation in droplet speeds, flow direction, spread angle, and head movement is also quantified. These findings will enable the refinement of models and simulations of sneezes toward improving infection control guidelines.