Dynamics of source-reinforced, coagulating, and condensing aerosols

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of aerosol size distributions is studied. By selection of simplified, but physically realistic, mechanisms for coagulation, condensation, nucleation, and removal, certain analytic solutions to the aerosol population balance equation are obtained. In those cases in which analytic solutions cannot be obtained, a numerical technique based on orthogonal collocation on finite elements is employed to obtain the solution. Also studied is the time evolution of the total number and total volume of aerosol within the system as a function of the relative importance of the mechanisms mentioned.

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