Computational Fluid Dynamics‐Based Optimization of Face Mask Filter Media Using Micro‐Computed Tomography Scans

During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have become an important protective measure for reducing spread of potentially infectious aerosol particles emitted while speaking, coughing, or simply breathing. In this work, a voxel-based numerical model obtained from micro-computed tomography (microCT) scans medical mask was validated by comparing fractional filtration efficiency and net pressure loss to values measured at in-house test bench after discharging in isopropanol. Varying mean fiber diameter, solid volume fraction, thickness filter medium, parametric studies based on digital twin sample were carried out. It is demonstrated that can be designed where efficiency, drop, material consumption improved compared base case.