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Abstract: This novel face mask is designed to be a reusable respirator with a small and highly efficient disposable fabric filter. Respirator material requirements are reduced by 75% compared to traditional designs and allow repeated cleaning or sterilization. The probability of virus particle inhalation is reduced using novel air filtration pathways, through square-waveform design to increase filter airflow. Air enters the mask from right and left side filters, while the area in front of the mouth is isolated. Clear epoxy is used for a transparent frame, allowing lip-reading, and mask edges contain a silicone seal preventing bypass of the filters. The mask is manufactured using silicone molds, eliminating electricity requirements making it economical and viable in developing countries. Computational fluid dynamics numerical studies and Fluent ANSYS software were used to simulate airflow through the filter to optimize filter air path geometry and validate mask design with realistic human requirements. The breathing cycle was represented as a transient function, and N95 filter specifications were selected as a porous medium. The novel design achieved 1.2 × 10−3 kg s−1, 20% higher than human requirements, with air streamlines velocity indicating local high speed, forcing and trapping virus particles against filter walls through centrifugal forces.

伦敦大学学院Mohan Edirisinghe院士等 | 具有优化气流的新型可重复使用的抗COVID-19的透明面罩

本研究论文报道了一种被设计成可重复使用的呼吸器的新型口罩，此设计带有小型、高效的一次性过滤器。与传统设计相比，呼吸器材料要求降低了75%，并允许重复清洗或灭菌。此设计采用新颖的空气过滤路径，通过方波设计增加过滤气流，降低病毒颗粒吸入的概率。嘴前面的区域是隔离的，而空气从左右两侧的过滤器进入口罩。该口罩采用透明环氧树脂制作框架，使交流时可以看到嘴形，其边缘包含一个硅胶密封，防止过滤器旁通。这种口罩采用硅胶模具制造，无需用电，更适用于在发展中国家制造。本研究利用计算流体力学数值研究和ANSYS Fluent软件模拟经过过滤器的气流流动过程，优化过滤器空气路径几何结构，并验证口罩设计符合真实的人体需求。呼吸周期表示为瞬态函数，并选择N95过滤器规格作为多孔介质。本文提出的创新设计使空气流线速度呈现局部高速，并且流量达到1.2×10−3 kg · s−1，比一般呼吸需求高出20%，过滤器流道中产生的高离心力可以压迫病毒粒子并使其在过滤器壁面上被捕获。