Investigation of Aerosol Penetration through Individual Protective Equipment in Elevated Wind Conditions
Abstract
A methodology to characterize particle penetration characteristics of individual protective equipment (IPE) under elevated wind conditions is developed. Performance of a complete IPE system can be determined from the knowledge of the performance characteristics of the IPE subsystems or components. Here, particle penetration characteristics of a cylindrical-shaped component, consisting of an outer fabric sleeve enclosing an inner appendage, are studied as a function of particle size and ambient wind conditions. A component particle penetration model is developed by combining a potential flow model to calculate flow through and around a component with a filtration model. The filtration model combines classical filtration theory with simple bench top experiments to determine net particle penetration. The component model predictions of particle penetration through a cylindrical component suggest that its filtration performance is strongly dependent on particle size and ambient wind velocities. To test model predictions, wind tunnel experiments are conducted over an ambient wind velocity range of 10-80 mph (5 to 40 ms-1) and particle diameter range of 10 nmi to 2 mum. The experimental results validate model predictions of particle penetration through a cylindrical component. The component model can be extended to model the integrated IPE system considering it to be composed of a combination of cylindrical components.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA581096
Entities
People
- Jonathan Kaufman
- Michael A. Hill
- Suresh Dhaniyala
- Terence A. Ghee
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center