Numerical calibration of the Andersen cascade impactor using a single jet model.

A single jet model is described and used to analyze the performance of an 8-stage Andersen cascade impactor (ACI). The two-dimensional axisymmetric jet flow field was calculated numerically by solving the Navier-Stokes equations and particle trajectories were then analyzed to obtain the collection efficiency curves at different flow rates. The resulting efficiency curves and corresponding cutoff diameters were compared and found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. We also examined the effect of gravity on impactor performance and discuss the limitations of the single jet model.