A Tool to Model the Fate and Transport of Indoor Microbiological Aerosols (FaTIMA)

Published

June 1, 2020

Author(s)

William S. Dols, Brian J. Polidoro, Dustin G. Poppendieck, Steven J. Emmerich

Abstract

The web-based tool Fate and Transport of Indoor Microbiological Aerosols (FaTIMA) allows for the determination of the indoor fate of microbiological aerosols associated with ventilation, filtration, deposition and inactivation mechanisms. FaTIMA provides a representation of a single, well-mixed zone that is served by a mechanical ventilation system and incorporates particle source and removal mechanisms. The simple mechanical ventilation system model allows specification of supply, return and fraction of outdoor air intake rate to include either a positive, negative or balanced ventilation system. Particle sources are provided to enable any combination of continuous, e.g., breathing related emissions, or intermittent, e.g., coughing- related, emissions. Particle removal mechanisms include filters within the ventilation system and deposition onto floors, walls and ceilings. Simulations can be run for a 24-h period, with the results including the time history of the airborne concentration and surface loading as well as integrated exposure that an occupant might experience.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 2095

Report Number

2095

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

exposure, indoor air quality, modeling, pathogens, viruses

Citation

Dols, W. , Polidoro, B. , Poppendieck, D. and Emmerich, S. (2020), A Tool to Model the Fate and Transport of Indoor Microbiological Aerosols (FaTIMA), Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2095 (Accessed May 6, 2026)

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