Numerical Investigation of Particle Dispersion Behind Road Vehicles

Air pollution from road transportation is a serious environmental and public health concern, with significant economic impacts related to healthcare costs and air quality management. Ultrafine particles (UFPs), emitted by both exhaust and non-exhaust vehicle sources, pose severe health risks because their tiny size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs. Their dispersion is strongly influenced by the shape and design of vehicles; however, current understanding of UFP behavior behind passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks is still limited. This project will combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with wind tunnel experiments to investigate vehicle geometry effects on UFP dispersion. The findings will support the development of innovative strategies to reduce pollutant exposure, improve air quality, and guide cleaner vehicle design. This project will enhance Canada’s innovation capacity in sustainable mobility and contribute to global goals for better health, cleaner cities, and climate action.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ebenezer Ekow Essel

Student:

Partner:

Ecole Supérieure des Techniques Aéronautiques et de Construction Automobile

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Transportation (excluding aerospace); Health and Related Sciences and Technology; Automotive

University:

Concordia University

Program: