Numerical Investigation of Gasper Air Jet Dynamics in an Aircraft Cabin

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to analyze the jet interaction of side-vent and gaspers and their influence on cough jets in aircraft cabins. A control device is designed and proposed to be attached to the existing gasper outlet to widen narrow, high-velocity air jet into a widespread air curtain. It forms a shield around the passenger's face, controlling cough droplets from infected passengers entering the co-passengers breathing zone and pushing the high-velocity cough jet toward the floor. A detailed study on flow distribution with existing gaspers and the newly designed control device is presented. The influence and efficacy of the control device in achieving desired flow spread, droplet spread, and intrusion control into co-passengers breathing zones are evaluated. The simulation showed significant droplets were reaching window and aisle passenger breathing zones in the existing gasper, whereas no droplet was found when the control device was introduced. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.