Numerical study of particle resuspension in the wake of a rotating wheel
Numerical study of particle resuspension in the wake of a rotating wheel
Numerical Study of Particle Resuspension in the Wake of a Rotating Wheel
Particle resuspension in the wake of a rotating wheel plays a critical role in a variety of engineering and environmental applications, including vehicle aerodynamics, road dust transport, and air quality near traffic zones. In this study, we present a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind particle detachment and transport due to the complex wake generated by a rotating wheel near a ground surface.
The flow field around the wheel was modeled using transient Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) where appropriate, to capture both mean flow structures and turbulent eddies responsible for particle mobilization. A moving wall boundary condition was applied to replicate the rotation of the wheel, while a no-slip condition was enforced on the ground to represent realistic vehicle-road interactions. A Lagrangian particle tracking method was employed to simulate the motion and potential resuspension of micron-sized particles from the ground.
Key findings show that the unsteady wake region downstream of the wheel exhibits strong vortex shedding, low-pressure zones, and intense turbulent bursts—all of which significantly contribute to lifting particles from the surface. Particle resuspension was found to be sensitive to wheel speed, surface roughness, and particle size. Smaller particles (<10 µm) were more likely to be entrained into the flow due to lower inertia and higher susceptibility to aerodynamic lift forces.
This study enhances the understanding of near-ground turbulent transport and can inform better design of vehicle wheel housings to mitigate road dust emissions. Moreover, the numerical approach developed here may be extended to analyze particle behavior in other rotating machinery contexts, such as turbine blades or ventilator systems.
Future work includes coupling this model with real-world emission data and validating results through wind tunnel experiments or field studies. The insights gained could contribute to improved environmental policy regarding traffic-induced particulate matter (PM) and help in the development of cleaner transportation technologies.
Global Particle Physics Excellence Awards
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