A Versatile Simulator for Accurate Replication and Analysis of Human Cough Jet Profiles

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for detailed studies of respiratory diseases, particularly focusing on human coughs, which are a primary transmission route. Traditional experimental methods often involve a limited number of human subjects or concentrate on isolated aspects, such as droplets or airflow. Droplet studies frequently overlook the interrupted jet flow characteristics of a cough, while airflow studies often lack variability in flow patterns. This study introduces a versatile simulator designed to replicate human cough jet profiles and analyze their flow dynamics comprehensively. The system employs a synthetic jet actuator (speaker) driven by signals derived from human cough parameters. This speaker, paired with an aerosol chamber and an interchangeable mouthpiece, effectively simulates the respiratory tract. The analysis of the flow field was done utilizing particle image velocimetry and flow visualization techniques. The results have demonstrated that the cough jets generated by the system accurately replicate the velocity profiles observed in previous human studies. Additionally, the system's versatility and repeatability were thoroughly tested and confirmed.