Analysis, Evaluation, and Optimization of the Performance of Vibrating Air Filters

This work is focused on the development of an effective methodology for evaluating the performance of vehicle air cleaner when subjected to vibration levels experienced in vehicles. We will verify the relationship between vehicle vibrating loads and theperformance of advanced filters. Currently, advanced air filter media claims that the air filters provide improved performance when evaluated in vehicles where vibration effects through vehicle operation are on-going. The first question addressed in thiswork is whether this claim can be validated through single panel pleated design experiments. Performance is defined by filter efficiency and dust capacity/service life. We will conduct simultaneous full-scale air cleaner performance/vibration evaluationsbetween current production and the best performing advanced air cleaner filter media. The second question is whether repeated shock loads have an influence on the performance of air filters. Each shock event makes the vehicle components including airfilters vibrate at their natural frequencies. Assuming the effect of vehicle vibration or shock loads on the performance of filters is positive, the third question is if one can optimize the performance of such filters by subjecting them to intentionallocalized vibrations and controlled shock events. Ultimately, we will develop an innovative Vibrating Air Filters (VAF) applicable to ground vehicles. The latter has high potential for both military and commercial applications. High performance air filtershave applications in commercial aircraft, space vehicles, automobiles, marine systems, watercraft, industrial environments, and processing and power generation industries. A modified version of the proposed work may be used in buildings, bridges, andoffshore oil platforms where large air filters are used. An important and large commercial application for the proposed work may be found in manufacturing and processing plants.