Particle and droplet size analysis from chord distributions

Two methods of estimating particle or droplet size distributions from chord measurements an presented and evaluated. The first is a probability apport ioning method (PAM). This assumes that particles are cut randomly and calcu lates a diameter probability distribution from each chord size detected. Th e distribution is then accumulated over all chord measurements. PAM has pro ved to be a fairly robust method when the particle diameters are known. The second is a finite element method (FEM) that has been found to be more gen erally applicable where there is a wide range of unknown particle diameters . Both methods have been rigorously tested on sets of chord data developed from either the ideal probability functions, a distinct element simulation or true data from a chord measuring instrument (Par-Tec). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.