Robinson, N. F. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1984

The efficient numerical calculation of condensational cloud drop growth

A modified Runge-Kutta integration technique is applied to condensational cloud droplet growth calculations, using the device of limiting dr, the growth of a droplet of radius r over the time step dt to some function of the absolute value of r(eq)-r, where r(eq) denotes the equilibrium value. The use of variable time steps to obtain an efficient choice of dt is also discussed. Results using these techniques are compared with those obtained with the standard fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, showing that the modified technique reduces the requisite computer time by a factor of about one hundred.

Robinson, N. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Two-stream Maxwellian kinetic theory of cloud droplet growth by condensation

A new growth rate formula (NGRF) is developed for the rate of growth of cloud droplets by condensation. The theory used is a modification of the Lees-Shankar theory in which the two-stream Maxwellian distribution function of Lees is used in Maxwell's method of moments to determine the transport of water vapor to and heat away from the droplet. Boundary conditions at the droplet are the usual conditions set in terms of accommodation coefficients, and the solution passes smoothly into diffusion flow in the far region. Comparisons are given between NGRF and the conventional formula showing close agreement (approximately 0.1%) for large radii with significant difference (approximately 5%) for small radii (not greater than 1 micron). Growth times for haze droplets in a Laktionov chamber are computed.

Robinson, N. F.↗