Comparison of model results of collection efficiency of aerosol particles by individual water droplets and ice crystals in a subsaturated atmosphere

Abstract

The aerosol collection efficiencies of water droplets and ice crystals are compared based on the concept of equivalent geometrical kernel K* which is the geometrical sweep-out volume per unit time by the collector. It is thought that the comparison based on this quantity reveals the real difference of the aerosol collecting abilities of different collectors and sheds lights on the precipitation scavenging mechanisms. The collection efficiencies are taken from theoretical model results computed by us previously at relative humidities of 95% for water droplets, columnar and hexagonal plate ice crystals. It is shown that the efficiencies are rather insensitive to collector shape for aerosol particles smaller than 0.01 μm. The shape factor becomes more important for larger aerosol particles, especially in the Greenfield-Gap size range. © 1995.