Modeling entry of micron-sized and submicron-sized particles into the indoor environment

Abstract

A theoretical approach, based on particle dynamics, was used to examine the outdoor-to-indoor penetration coefficient (P) of fine particles inside thin rectangular cracks. Parallel-plate flow theory indicates that crack infiltration flow can be assumed laminar for long, thin rectangular cracks. Considering laminar crack flow, three particle penetration models were used to estimate P. They are the Licht model, the Fuchs model, and the Taulbee model. The first two models consider gravitational sedimentation as the particle deposition mechanism, while the third model considers particle deposition induced from both gravitational sedimentation and Brownian diffusion. Modeling results indicate that gravitational sedimentation governs particle deposition behavior for micron-sized particles, and that all three models can be used to model penetration for these particles. For submicron-sized particles, Brownian diffusion becomes the major deposition mechanism, and only the Taulbee model is suitable to model particle penetration. The Taulbee model was validated using published experimental results of other researchers. Model validation indicated that the Taulbee model satisfactorily estimates particle penetration for micron-sized and submicron-sized particles. Application of the three models to actual building penetration is discussed.