The inertial behavior of fibers.

The inertial deposition is given considerable credit in the deposition of inhaled particulate matter in the upper respiratory tract. A determination of the parameters governing the impaction of fibers must be the basis of evaluating the role of impaction in the respirability of fibrous dusts. The study reported here describes an experimental method of defining the inertial behavior of fibers. The results of the experiments show that the aspect ratio of the fibers plays a much more important role than hitherto considered. The results of the experimental work gave an empirical mathematical model for the prediction of the impaction of fibers from the physical properties of fibers such as density, fiber diameters and aspect ratio. In addition an equivalent diameter based on inertial properties of the fiber is developed.