Monte Carlo modelling of particle resuspension on a flat surface

Abstract

A model for the resuspension of a monolayer of particles deposited on a flat surface is developed based on a Monte Carlo simulation of the phenomenon. Particles deposited on the surface are attached to it through an adhesion force. A turbulent flow is assumed to be responsible for the resuspension of particles. The stochastic process used for particle resuspension is based on the evaluation of probabilities depending on the ratio between adhesion and aerodynamic forces and using a Metropolis function. Although simple, the present model accounts for the main features of the resuspension flux observed experimentally and by other models. The model is able to clearly show the role that the parameters of the force distributions (both adhesion and turbulent) have on the short- and long-term resuspension flux, and it captures the intrinsic stochastic nature of the resuspension process.