Large Eddy Simulation of Coughing Events in Extraterrestrial Environments to Investigate Pathogen Propagation

An increase in human space flight has created greater risk of disease transmission in extraterrestrial environments by means of tumultuous expiratory mechanisms. Previous studies have examined coughing and respiratory function, as well as the behavior of aerosols in microgravity. However, direct modeling of a multiphase cough jet, specifically determining the dispersion and trajectory of pathogen-laden expectorate in microgravity, remains an underexplored area. This oral presentation details an investigation of extraterrestrial expectorate using large eddy simulation modeling with high-performance computing to simulate pathogen propagation through a multiphase cough jet. By modelling trajectory and dispersion of expectorate resulting from cough mechanisms in microgravity, areas of higher infectious risk are identified which will aid in the development of preventative protocols for infectious disease transmission in space.