Robust cough simulator: A low cost and versatile alternative for research

The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the need for research about respiratory diseases. Cough patterns are a crucial part of such studies. Current experimental techniques use a small sample size of human subjects for cough data or complicated hydraulic actuator that can replicate coughing patterns. Here, we present the design and characterization of a low-cost, versatile cough simulator that can replicate complicated coughing patterns. The apparatus utilizes a synthetic jet actuator (speaker) and an aerosol chamber that simulates the oropharyngeal cavity. When actuated, the speaker forces particles through the orifice replicating the coughing action. The electrical actuation allows for a programmable coughing pattern that can replicate complex coughing sequences. The orifice is interchangeable to model different mouth features. The present study uses six distinct cough profiles obtained from in the available literature. Preliminary validation tests using high frequency particle image velocimetry obtain the flow field data and show that the simulator is able to output the cough signals reaching the peak flow rates as calculated theoretically. Flow visualization shows repeatable flow pattern and structures. Further tests will be performed for robust characterization of the simulator.