Analysis of aerosol particles undergoing gravitational agglomeration. Annual progress report, December 15, 1976--September 30, 1977

Studies are reported of aerosol behavior following an LMFBR reactor core disruption. Highlights of progress in theoretical area have consisted of a clear and consistent formulation of the dynamical equations of motion for the colliding particles. Relevant Drag forces have been identified and methods for obtaining such forces are discussed. A computer program that determines the collision efficiency by solving the equations of motion and numerical experimentation is operational. At present, the Stokesian Drag forces with slip corrections are being used, but other drag forces will be also incorporated. Results obtained to date indicate that for the range of particle sizes studied so far the collision efficiency decreases with decrease in density. An extensive review of previous experimental work on collision efficiency in the atmospheric sciences was completed. Use of both the macroscopic and the microscopic type of experiments is recommended. The former include laser scattering type of work and the latter include similitude type of experiments. The similitude type of experiments is especially suitable for studying the density and shape effects on the collision efficiency, and the necessary apparatus has been assembled at the UMC. Preliminary experimental parameters have been identified, and initial results are expected to be available in the near future