Dynamics of Cluster Growth During Homogeneous Nucleation of Supersaturated Vapors

An analysis of cluster growth and dynamics leading to phase transformation through homogeneous nucleation is developed to account for thermal nonaccommodation within the period of one vibration of the newly formed cluster. The approach, which is an extension of studies by Volmer and Feder et al., considers the following different mechanisms of interaction between clusters: (1) condensation of single molecules, (2) evaporation of molecules from clusters, and (3) coagulation between clusters. This approach is evaluated by comparing computer simulations of the population balance equations with classical nucleation theory and with experimental results reported in the literature. The interaction of the impinging molecule with the surface of the condensed phase is central to the development. The probability that such an impinging molecule will condense, be thermally equilibrated, and be incorporated into the cluster is included in the thermal nonaccommodation term in the basic population balance equations. Simu...