RE-EXAMINATION OF NUCLEATION AND CONDENSATION OF WATER,
Abstract
This paper presents a critical re-examination of several nucleation theories (excluding the surface-energy problem) and concludes that Kuhrt's thermodynamic theory for cluster formation in monoatomic vapor, which follows the classical liquid-drop model but conserves degrees of freedom, is procedurally correct. The Kuhrt approach is extended to polyatomic vapors. Assuming that non-atomic vibration modes are equally probable in the condensed phase, the resulting correction factors to the classical rate of nucleation are about 10 to the 4th power, 10 to the 7th power, and 10 to the 9th power particles/cc sec for a monoatomic, linear, and non-linear condensing molecule. The nucleation of water vapor is examined in detail, and the theoretical rate of condensation is computed for adiabatic constantvolume conditions. The 10 to the 9th power increase in nucleation kinetics leads to a 10 to the 2nd power decrease in the time required for 50% of condensation. It is concluded that published experimental data are insufficient to compare to the present theory. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0443693
Entities
People
- Welby G. Courtney