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Theory of growth by differential sedimentation, with application to snowflake formation

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Westbrook, C. D., Ball, Robin, Field, P. R. and Heymsfield, Andrew J.. (2004) Theory of growth by differential sedimentation, with application to snowflake formation. Physical Review E, Vol.70 (No.2). ISSN 1063-651X

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.70.021403

Abstract

A simple model of irreversible aggregation under differential sedimentation of particles in a fluid is presented. The structure of the aggregates produced by this process is found to feed back on the dynamics in such a way as to stabilize both the exponents controlling the growth rate, and the fractal dimension of the clusters produced at readily predictable values. The aggregation of ice crystals to form snowflakes is considered as a potential application of the model.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

Q Science > QA Mathematics
Q Science > QC Physics

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Physics

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Aggregation (Chemistry) -- Mathematical models, Snowflakes -- Mathematical models

Journal or Publication Title:

Physical Review E

Publisher:

American Physical Society

ISSN:

1063-651X

Official Date:

25 August 2004

Dates:

Date	Event
25 August 2004	Published

Volume:

Vol.70

Number:

No.2

Number of Pages:

Identification Number:

10.1103/PhysRevE.70.021403

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Open Access

Funder:

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Great Britain. Meteorological Office

References:

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arXiv:physics/0310164 (2003)
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