FLOW-INDUCED RESUSPENSION OF RIGID-LINK FIBERS FROM SURFACES

Flow-induced removal of curly fibers from surfaces is studied. A gener ic rigid-link fiber model consisting of a chain of five ellipsoids wit h different orientations is developed, and used to study fiber resuspe nsion in laminar and turbulent hows. The contact surfaces of the fiber with the wall are modeled as spherical joints. The hydrodynamic force s and torques acting on the ellipsoidal segments as well as the adhesi on forces of nodes in contact with the surface are evaluated. Various possible modes of fiber detachment from the surface are identified, an d the state of limiting equilibrium are analyzed. The critical velocit ies for detaching fibers of various sizes, orientations, and filament thicknesses are evaluated and discussed. (C) 1997 American Association for Aerosol Research.