Electrostatics can be helpful in figuring out the spread through air of infectious diseases

30 April 2020, Version 2
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

Abstract

A physical model is here proposed as a speculative but robust attempt to understand a possible mechanism of contamination. An amount of micron-sized droplet nuclei, also carrying net charge with suitable polarity, are expected to be electro-dynamically involved in a mechanism originated by the static, thus natural and unperceivable, electrification of exposed subjects.

Keywords

Triboelectrification
human body model
airborne particulate
COVID-19

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