Particle deposition onto rough surfaces

Predictions for the number of particles depositing from fully developed turbulence onto a fully roughened k-type surface are obtained from the results of large-eddy simulations for a ribbed-channel flow. Simulation data are found to provide only partial support for the "mass-sink hypothesis," i.e., the notion that all particles entering a mass sink, a volume of fluid extending vertically from the deposition surface, are captured and eventually deposited. The equality of the number of particles entering the mass sink and the number of particles depositing is attained, and a qualitative agreement with the empirical model of Wood (1981, "A Simple Method for the Calculation of Turbulent Deposition to Smooth and Rough Surfaces," J. Aerosol Sci., 12(3), pp. 275-290) for the height of this mass sink is obtained. However, a significant proportion of particles escapes from the mass sink and the equality of numbers is attained only because many particles deposit onto rib surfaces above the mass sink, without first entering the mass sink.