Condensation modelling for highly supersaturated vapours: application to iron

Abstract

A method for modelling condensation of highly supersaturated iron vapour is described. Such component processes as nucleation, growth and coagulation are coupled together rather than treated separately. The model is constructed in a way that makes it readily adaptable for calculations of condensation rates of other vapours at high supersaturation ratios, where conventional treatments of nucleation break down. A first test against literature experimental data for iron results in encouraging agreement between theory and experiment. Use of the model for identifying rate-controlling processes and aiding design of experiments where one such process dominates (and can therefore be studied in isolation) is illustrated. It is hoped that the emphasis placed on sources of uncertainty in the calculations will help to stimulate further experimental work.