ASYMPTOTIC SOLUTION OF NONLINEAR MOMENT EQUATIONS FOR CONSTANT-RATE AEROSOL REACTORS

Nonlinear evolution equations based upon moments of the aerosol size d istribution function are solved asymptotically for constant-rate aeros ol reactors (i.e., where condensible monomer is added at a constant ra te) operating in the free-molecular limit. The governing equations are nondimensionalized and a large parameter that controls nucleation beh avior is identified. Asymptotic analyses are developed in terms of thi s parameter. Comparison of the asymptotic results with direct numerica l integration of the governing equations is favorable. The asymptotic results provide a simplified analytical approach to estimating average particle sizes, particle number densities, and peak supersaturation v alues for constant-rate aerosol reactors.