Experimental and mechanistic study of dispersed micrometer-sized particle resuspension in a square straight duct with rough walls

Abstract

The resuspension of graphite dust is an important phenomenon in the release of radioactivity and the safety of nuclear reactors during severe accidents. In this study, a visualization experimental platform is constructed to study effects of particle size, flow velocity, and wall roughness on the resuspension characteristics of graphite particles. A statistical model of particle resuspension applicable to monolayer dispersed particles is developed based on the moment equilibrium of the particles and the flow field characteristics, as calculated by the large-eddy simulation framework. The results show that particle resuspension can be divided into short- and long-term resuspension stages. Most particle resuspension occurs during the short-term stage. With increases in flow velocity and particle diameter, the aerodynamic or adhesion force acting on the particles increases, and corresponding particle resuspension fraction increases. The influence of rough walls on particle resuspension is related to both the force on the particles and the arm ratio between the wall morphology and the particle diameter. A comparison with the experimental results demonstrates that the particle resuspension model developed in this study accurately predicts the impact of flow velocity, particle size, and wall roughness on particle resuspension.