Effective condensation coefficient on a nanoparticle

Abstract

Condensation of Ar gas on a nanosized Ar particle was analyzed using a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, with the results presented in terms of instantaneous condensation coefficient as a function of particle temperature and gas pressure and temperature. Gas temperature was kept constant, but the size and temperature of the particle were allowed to change due to condensation. The calculated condensation coefficient was sensitive to the instantaneous particle temperature and initial gas pressure, but was insensitive to gas temperature. MD results agree well with the kinetic model if the vapor pressure corresponding to the critical supersaturation was used instead of the equilibrium saturation pressure. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.