Numerical Computation of Hydrodynamic Characteristics of an Automated Hand-Washing System

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a physical model and investigate the bactericidal effect of an automated hand-washing system through numerical computation, which is essential in areas affected by COVID-19 to ensure safety and limit the spread of the pandemic. The computational fluid dynamics approach is used to study the movement of the solution inside the hand-washing chamber. The finite element method with the k-ε model is applied to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The numerical results provide insights into the solution’s hydrodynamic values, streamlines, and density in the two cases of with a hand and without a hand. The pressure and mean velocity of the fluid in the hand-washing chamber increases when the inlet flow rates increase. When the hand-washing chamber operates, it creates whirlpools around the hands, which remove bacteria. In addition, the liquid inlet flow affects the pressure in the hand-washing chamber. The ability to predict the hydraulic and cleaning performance efficiencies of the hand-washing chamber is crucial for evaluating its operability and improving its design in the future.