An analysis of agglomeration for agent-countermeasure particle systems

The purpose of this research is twofold. First, we present a new generalized form of the discrete Smoluchowski agglomeration equations derived from a weak formulation of the continuous equations which provides a direct extension of the equations to poly-sized particles. This formulation is shown to preserve particle mass conservation provided the test functions form a partition of unity, and yields a class of algorithms having straightforward and efficient implementations. Verifications and computed convergence rates of the numerical algorithm, comparisons to other methods, and validations of agglomeration due to turbulent shear are provided. Secondly, we use these algorithms for a study of two-species (agent-countermeasure) particle agglomeration. Computations based on the solution of the non-dimensional equations are provided and applied to an analysis of agent reduction through the introduction of counter-measure particles for both turbulent shear and acoustic agglomeration.

► Efficient partition of unity algorithms for the coagulation equations are derived. ► Convergence rates and validations of turbulent shear agglomeration are shown. ► A detailed agent-countermeasure particle interaction analysis is provided. ► Acoustic excitation is more effective than turbulent shear for agent defeat.