ASYMPTOTIC SOLUTION AND NUMERICAL-SIMULATION OF HOMOGENEOUS CONDENSATION IN EXPANSION CLOUD CHAMBERS

Asymptotic solution of homogeneous condensation in expansion cloud cha mbers in different droplett growth regimes Is presented. In particular an exactly solvable droplet growth model ranging between the Hertz-Kn udsen and continuum droplet growth laws is introduced. The distinct co ndensation zones in each droplet growth regime are identified by the a symptotic solution of the condensation rate equation and the results a re compared with those of direct numerical simulations using the class ical nucleation theory. Excellent qualitative agreement is reached des pite some minor quantitative differences in some of the condensation z ones arising from the nature of the asymptotic solution in these zones . (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.