Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution has been proven to have drastic health impacts on the human body and the widespread prevalence of this pollution caused by human activity makes it an extremely pertinent issue. Research into this matter can be improved by the use of airborne particle concentrators. This paper presents the design and manufacturing process of a particle concentrator that enhances the research on the health impacts of airborne particulate matter. Solid Edge 2023 was used to create CAD models and manufacturing drawings and COMSOL multiphysics v5.6 was used to simulate the virtual impactor, which is the core component of the concentrator. Various manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, water jet cutting, and in-house machining were applied to produce the parts of the device. The concentrator's efficiency was tested and some areas for improvement were identified, such as cooling efficiency and electronic component optimization. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the project for future research in the field of airborne particle science.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Wallace, Lucien

Subject

• Well-Being
• Infrastructure
• Health
• Sustainability
• Environment
• Innovation
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-021324-205719
• 117655

Keyword

• transportation
• airborne particles
• virtual impactor
• city planning
• particle concentrator
• air pollution

Advisor

• Stoddard, Elisabeth Anne
• Ault, Holly Keyes
• Wodin-Schwartz, Sarah Jane

Year

• 2024

Sponsor

• Mechanical Design Department at the Royal Technical University (KTH) in Stockholm
• Nanoparticle Emissions in the Transport Sector (nPETS) at Stockholm University

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• 10 - Reducing Inequality
• 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Date created

• 2024-02-13

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Source

• E-project-021324-205719

Rights statement

• In Copyright