Resuspension of Particles by Aerodynamic Deagglomeration

A deagglomerator system was developed, characterized by laboratory tests, and flown under low-gravity (low-g) microgravity conditions. Requirements for a dry powder deagglomeration system were generated by university and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists from diverse fields of interest including exobiology, planetary sciences, and atmospheric sciences. Existing deagglomeration methods and devices are reviewed. An aerosol generation method suitable for dry powders over a large range of particle sizes and types at high concentrations with consistent deagglomeration efficiency are evaluated. Development of a pulsed-flow laboratory device and experimental approaches to meet the requirements without being g-dependent are described. Results of laboratory one-g quantitative characterization on one type of dry powder particle generator is discussed. Data from NASA low-g tests are summarized.