Liberty University Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Wayne Strasser was recently asked by a company focused on the development of respiratory therapy products to aid them in their research on the spread of COVID-19. The team used Ansys simulation solutions to study the exhale of atomized droplets of saliva and mucus during respiratory therapy in a hospital room.
By modeling how inhalers deliver medication to the lungs, simulation helps medical device companies improve inhaler design and helps physicians train their patients on how to use the inhalers for greatest effect. Modeling done by Dr. Yu Feng's Computational Biofluidics and Biomechanics Laboratory at Oklahoma State University.
The medical device industry uses simulation to optimize the design of ventilators. Physics-based simulation is the most effective method to accelerate product development and ensure these devices reach those in need as quickly as possible. Modeling work performed by ARELabs.
Once a vaccine has been identified, one of the biggest challenges facing the biopharma industry is scaling up the production of the vaccine from laboratory to industrial scale. By using simulation in a virtual environment, drug companies can increase their chances of getting the scale-up process right the first time.
Decontaminating rooms and facilities – whether in preparation for patients or in places where the virus has been identified – helps contain the spread of the virus and protect the health of the vulnerable. Simulations performed by Ansys partner InSilicoTrials Technologies optimizes the decontamination process to ensure clean rooms.
Negative pressure rooms (NPRs) can help to reduce healthcare staff's exposure to the virus while attending patients. Simulation demonstrates different room designs of NPRs and enables teams to optimize the room design, inlet vent placement and blower capacity to avoid oral and nasal plumes from recirculating in the room.
Wearing a face mask correctly for an extended period can be uncomfortable and cause irritation, however, it is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the mask.
Masks can reduce the risk of contaminating others by up to 6 times. Adjustments can be made to ensure masks are sealed properly to reduce the risk of possible exposure.
Standard social distancing guidelines are insufficient when exercising outside. Analysis by Ansys partners Bert Blocken and Fabio Malizia at TUe & KU Leuven has revealed that substantially more space is required to avoid droplets from the runner or cyclist in front of you.
