Rain Scavenging

In this research we are investigating the methods by which raindrops drops remove particulates from the air. This process, called `scavenging,' is relevant to the removal of pollutants from the air by rain.

The following is a simulation of potential flow past a sphere. It provides a simple model of how particulates can be removed. The red lines are the particle trajectories. The lines are plotted from the outer streamlines toward the inner ones. The first particle trajectory that actually impacts the `drop' is the last one shown in the video, after which a new particle diameter is considered.

Particle Scavenging Movie (movie by R. McDonnell)