Evolution of Particle Size Distributions due to Turbulent and Brownian Coagulation

Abstract

The time evolution of particle size distribution due to Brownian and turbulent coagulation (using the kernel of Kruis and Kusters (1997)) was systematically investigated. Using a new definition of dimensionless size distribution parameters based on the geometric mean values, self-preserving particle size distributions for turbulent coagulation were found to exist. The width of such distributions depends on the initial size distribution as well as the turbulence intensity. When starting with submicron aerosols, however, only the turbulence intensity plays a role in determining the final self-preserving form, whereas the initial conditions have no influence. Typically, broad particle size distributions with σ g in the 1.5-1.9 range are obtained. Because of the importance of scavenging by the largest particles in the size distribution, the possibility of developing a "runaway mass" exists, for which some experimental indications in turbulent systems exist.