The Flow Physics of COVID-19

Abstract

Flow physics plays a key role in nearly every facet of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the generation and aerosolization of virus-laden respiratory droplets from a host, its airborne dispersion and deposition on surfaces, as well as the subsequent inhalation of these bioaerosols by unsuspecting recipients. Fluid dynamics is also key to preventative measures such as the use of face masks, hand-washing, ventilation of indoor environments, and even social distancing. This article summarizes what we know, and more importantly, what we need to learn about the science underlying these issues so that we are better prepared to tackle the next outbreak of COVID-19 or a similar disease.

Cited by in corpus (7)

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• The dispersion of spherical droplets in source-sink flows and their relevance to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Transport and deposition of dilute microparticles in turbulent thermal convection
• Eulerian-Lagrangian modelling of bio-aerosols irradiated by UV-C light in relation to SARS-CoV-2 transmission
• Unraveling the secrets of turbulence in a fluid puff
• How do the finite-size particles modify the drag in Taylor-Couette turbulent flow
• Numerical analysis of the efficiency of face masks for preventing droplet airborne infections