Open AccessSimple method to generate calibrated synthetic smoke-like atmospheres at microscopic scale
Author(s) -
Jose M. Nadal-Serrano,
Elia Gómez G. de la Pedrosa,
Marisa LópezVallejo,
Alvaro de Guzmán Fernández González,
Carlos Lopez Barrio
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0220700
Subject(s) - smoke , dispersity , calibration , polystyrene , materials science , characterization (materials science) , computer science , parameterized complexity , particle (ecology) , process engineering , biological system , environmental science , nanotechnology , physics , composite material , algorithm , meteorology , engineering , oceanography , quantum mechanics , geology , polymer chemistry , biology , polymer
Artificial smokes focusing on macroscopic or fluid properties of smoke have been available for a long time. This paper presents a simple method to generate fully customizable smoke-like atmospheres at microscopic scale (i.e. considering their constituent particles as discrete elements) using a different approach. Synthetic, reproducible media can be generated combining monodisperse microspheres with known geometrical and optical properties conveniently parameterized. The method is presented as a proof-of-concept, highlighting the design decisions along with their implications. Practical issues such as aerosol nebulization, particle carrier selection or the features of the medium chamber where the smoke-like atmosphere is to be tested are analyzed. A comparison between methanol and ethanol as carriers for polystyrene microsphere nebulization is also made. The method could be the seed for the obtention of standard reference media for calibration or standardized characterization of not only smoke detectors and exhaust smoke sensors but also other instruments relying on optical properties of dispersive media (dust in PV panels, public lighting, etc.).