Fighting the Spread of Pathogens in Passenger Aircraft Cabins: An Approach Using Computer Simulations

Speakers: Valerio Viti & Kishor Ramaswamy, Ansys, Inc
August 4, 2020

Presentation

Abstract

Our modern way of life is deeply dependent on air travel and public transportation. COVID-19 has profoundly affected international and domestic travel for business and pleasure, leaving many wondering how we can still travel by air while protecting ourselves from the virus. This is an especially difficult question for an airborne virus like SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19 disease. In this talk, we will explore how high-fidelity physics-based computer simulations can be used to help with the abatement of the virus transmission in a cabin air. We will show how CFD simulations of the flow patterns inside a passenger cabin can be used to suggest new best practices for safe air travel. Likewise, we will show how optical simulation and CFD tools can be used to improve the sterilization of the cabin via UV rays and electrostatic sprays. While computer simulations alone cannot provide all of the answers, their capability to study large numbers of design permutations and proof-of-concepts quickly and efficiently is instrumental in the effort to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Biography

Valerio Viti is the Aerospace and Defense industry technical lead at Ansys. Valerio has been with Ansys for 14 years working in the application of CFD tools to the Aerospace and Defense, power generation, and HVAC industries. Valerio holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Aeronautics from The City University of London.

Kishor Ramaswamy is a manager of Application Engineering at Ansys, with a focus on the overall autonomous vehicle strategy, as well as the core optical simulation product line. In this role, he leads many engagements and projects with the major North American OEMs and suppliers and is responsible for driving technical requirements from customers into the product development roadmap. Kishor hold a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from McGill University with a focus in optics.

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