This project involves light scattering and absorbtion measurements on aerosol agglomerates as a function of particle size and diffraction indices. The dynamics of agglomeration at various Knudsen regimes will be measured and evaluated. The fractal optics and kinetics experiments will be compared with existing theories and a new model proposed by the P.I. A multi-angle optical diagnostic technique for size and morphology of particle and aggregate in unsteady flows will be developed, with application to turbulent flows in flames. If successful, the study will provide better understanding of the aerosol aggregation mechanisms, of light scattering and absorption processes from aggregates, and a new instrument to measure the aggregate size and composition in turbulent flows. Application range from soot formation in air pollution studies to powders synthesis in flame reactors.
