Analytical model for dust generated by air-cushion vehicles

The air-cushion vehicle (ACV) is widely used over unconsolidated soils and rugged terrain. This off-the-road vehicle can have mobility problems as well as cause environmental problems. Most of these problems cannot be fully controlled but measures can be taken to minimize their effect. Two of the mobility problems are dust generation and ground surface erosion. This research is a continuation of previous attempts at understanding the mechanics of dust generation and the evaluation of parameters representing soil resistance to disturbance under the air cushion pressure. Specifically this research provides a comprehensive analytical approach by which the characteristics of ACV dust raising, residence time and sedimentation rates are evaluated. Stoke's Law is used in this analysis with concomitant practical assumptions. Field utilization of these models is developed, and predetermination of dust size distribution above ground level, as well as possible particulate dispersions during the dust raising stage are reported. With this information the dust distribution and amount of dust in the atmosphere can be predicted at any time and at any elevation above the ground. Relationships between the quasi-theoretical analyses and the experimental results were considered and found to be in good agreement.