Lift Off Behavior of Micro and Nanoparticles in Contact With a Flat Surface

Abstract

The suspension of small particles from flat surfaces is recognized as a source of pollution and a potential hazard to exposed humans. The interaction of air flow over a particle in contact with a flat surface was studied. Parameters that affect the air flowparticlesurface interaction were taken into consideration and conditions that would lead to particle liftoff were identified. The results showed that particles 100 nm in size will liftoff from the surface for separation distances greater than 20 nm. A mapping strategy is proposed that could be used to minimize the suspension of small particles if the particle size and separation distances are known.