A novel and versatile cough simulator for respiratory disease studies

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for comprehensive studies on respiratory diseases, particularly those focusing on human coughs as a primary mode of transmission. Traditional experimental methods for studying cough dynamics often fall short in replicating the complexity of human coughs, limiting our understanding of virus transmission. This study introduces a novel and versatile cough simulator capable of replicating a wide range of human cough jet profiles with high accuracy and repeatability. The device employs a synthetic jet actuator driven by signals derived from human cough parameters, paired with an aerosol chamber and interchangeable mouthpieces. The simulator was characterized using particle image velocimetry and flow visualization techniques, demonstrating its ability to generate cough jets with peak velocities ranging from approximately 3–39 m/s and peak velocity times from 8.75 to 60.00 ms. The simulated coughs exhibit the characteristic starting-jet and interrupted-jet stages observed in human coughs. Calibration maps were developed to allow precise tuning of cough parameters, enhancing the device's versatility. The simulator's reproducibility was validated through repeated trials, showing consistent flow characteristics despite the turbulent nature of the jets. This pulsatile flow device provides a reliable and adaptable platform for studying cough-generated aerosols, contributing to a better understanding of respiratory disease transmission and the development of effective mitigation strategies.