Numerical Investigation of the Efficacy of Downward Push–Pull Air Curtain for Protecting Standing Shop-Floor Worker from Virus Transmission Through Coughing Droplets

The chapter investigates the efficacy of downward push-pull air curtains in creating a safe zone for workers exposed to coughing droplets, a primary mode of COVID-19 transmission. It explores the complex interplay between push and pull velocities, identifying four distinct flow regimes: concave curtain, straight curtain, under-suction, and overblow. The study employs a sophisticated numerical model using OpenFOAM, simulating the transient nature of cough jets and the distribution of droplet sizes. Key findings reveal that while push-pull air curtains can significantly reduce droplet penetration, no configuration completely prevents it. The analysis highlights the importance of optimizing push-pull velocity ratios to minimize droplet intrusion, with specific ratios showing lower droplet penetration rates. The chapter also discusses the implications of these findings for enhancing workplace safety and provides a foundation for further research into optimizing air curtain designs.