A model for velocity streamlines of airborne dust particles spreading caused by free-falling bulk materials

For a long time, the logistic of transportation of bulk materials, such as iron dust and other minerals, has been of great interest for industrial propositions. Along with the necessity of enhancement of such process, there is also the environmental concerns, since handling these materials generates a large amount of air pollution due to the spreading of thin dust to the atmosphere. In this work, we propose a mathematical model for the propagation of the aerial dust in an open field, based on the principle that the movement of the dust occurs in the quasi-static regime, i.e., a low Reynolds number condition. By using an air-dust mixed fluid-like model, four flow pattern zones were identified and showed a conceptual indicator of the zones serving as a potential source of dust spreading if subjected to an external force. This model consists of solving a Poisson EDP with proper boundary conditions given by the structure of the problem. [Display omitted] •A theoretical model derived from Stokes equation for dust particles propagation.•Streamline solved to visualize drag, recirculation, upward/peripherical escape zone.•The upward escape zone can potentially cause dust propagation.