Taking-off model of particles with a wide size distribution

The aim of this work is to estimate more accurately fugitive dust emissions due to wind erosion of exposed aggregate storage piles. The model constructed allows to quantify the temporal evolution in the mass flux when a bed of materials is exposed to a turbulent flow. It is based on the interaction between particles’ take-off and wall turbulence. The model allows as well to take into account materials having a wide size distribution, which is typical of materials such as coal or ore. Some experimental studies have shown a temporal decrease in the mass flux as the bed contains a wide range of particle sizes. This decrease, due to large particles, is predicted by the model. The rate depends on the flow velocity and the characteristics of the particles.