Airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens in indoor environments remains a significant global health challenge. While existing research broadly addresses ventilation effectiveness, there is a critical need to understand how specific diffuser placements influence early-phase aerosol dispersion immediately following a cough event. This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach and the Discrete Phase Model to analyze initial droplet transport, evaporation, and nuclei concentration under different air distribution configurations. The results demonstrate that conventional parallel exhaust configurations, though effective at reducing overall particle mass, can fail to control the lateral spread of infectious nuclei in the short term. In contrast, placing exhaust diffusers above the cough source reduces the lateral particle spread by approximately 40% compared to conventional layouts. Additionally, maintaining the WHO-recommended two-meter distance results in an 82–89% reduction in particle number concentration during the early dispersion phase. These findings underscore the importance of diffuser placement for controlling short-term particle dispersion immediately after a cough event in mechanically ventilated office environments. The study’s scope is limited to early-phase dispersion dynamics within a 10-second simulation period, and further research is needed to assess long-term aerosol suspension, removal mechanisms, and infection risk. Nonetheless, the results offer practical insights for HVAC design and support the integration of ventilation strategies with physical distancing measures to reduce near-field exposure risks.
8 December 2025 in Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Vibration control remains a critical factor in the design and operation of high-speed vessels, particularly for coastal patrol craft where structural safety, crew comfort, and operational reliability are paramount. This study presents the experimental validation of a 28-meter coastal patrol craft through full-scale vibration measurements conducted during sea trials. A dedicated measurement system was engineered, calibrated, and installed to capture vibration responses across various operating conditions, including speed ramp-up tests and hard-over turns to both port and starboard. Measurements were taken at multiple locations in three axes longitudinal, transverse, and vertical and evaluated against classification society criteria and ISO 20283-5:2016 standards. The highest vibration levels were observed in the aft deck, steering gear area, and radar mast, yet all readings remained within acceptable thresholds. The results confirm the adequacy of the vessel’s structural design and propulsion arrangement, supporting its readiness for active deployment without the need for vibration mitigation devices. The methodology and findings offer a practical framework for assessing and verifying vibration performance in similar high-speed marine craft.