A team from research institute Riken and Kobe University has launched a project to allow the precise prediction of how droplets from sneezes and coughs scatter in enclosed spaces such as commuter trains and offices. Utilizing "Fugaku," a next-generation supercomputer, the results are expected to contribute to preventing the spread of coronavirus.
In the research, Fugaku is used to simulate various indoor environments, including crowded trains, offices, classrooms and hospital rooms. The supercomputer then calculates the routes and speed of droplet dispersal. Taking advantage of Fugaku's high calculation ability, the team will evaluate the risk of droplet infection under several conditions, such as whether people are wearing masks, whether a train's windows are open or closed and whether an office is air-conditioned.
"We would like to announce our first research results between May and June and utilize them in actual infection prevention measures," said Prof. Makoto Tsubokura of Kobe University, who led the team.
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