Dynamics of aerosol formation from supersaturated vapor

The applicability of the moment equations to the calculation of aerosol formation from supersaturated vapor is assessed. It is shown that their application is incorrect if the critical Thompson dimension 'overtakes' in time the particle size distribution function. These results are verified numerically on the basis of a chain of kinetic equations, and it is found that, at sufficiently long times, an asymptotic solution to the problem exists. An expression is obtained for the particle distribution function in relation to the behavior of the initial function and rate of vapor supply or removal. Calculated results on the particle distribution are compared with an experimental histogram.