Modeling the formation of ion clusters by applying classical nucleation theoryExperiments have been conducted to study the clustering of atmospheric trace gases around ion cores (Castleman and Tang, 1972; Searcy and Fenn, 1974; Castleman, 1978). The classical liquid-drop model is used to investigate this ion-induced formation mechanism. Results obtained from models of the distribution of Pb(+)-(H2O)n and H(+)-(H2O)n type clusters under various conditions are compared with experimental results. The distribution of water-ion clusters in the atmosphere as a function of altitude is calculated. In situ measurements of the water-ion cluster distributions in the upper atmosphere are then compared with present predictions. It is concluded that the classical nucleation theory can be used to predict rough estimates for ion cluster sizes under many conditions.
Document ID
19820029536
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Yue, G. K. (Institute for Atmospheric Optics and Remote Sensing Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: In: Rarefied gas dynamics; International Symposium