Measurements of the Size Distribution and Aerodynamic Properties of Soot

Abstract

The particle size distribution and aerodynamic properties of soot agglomerates formed by the combustion of acetylene is studied. A positive pressure soot generator was constructed which allowed for the characterization of the soot aerosol. Nearly monodisperse particles (10 to 20 nm in diameter) have been observed at low acetylene flow rates. The mean size and width of the distribution are confirmed with a diffusion battery and a differential mobility analyzer. Size distribution measurements of soot agglomerates have been obtained from optical and electron microscopy for a range of acetylene flow rates. The electron microscopy results are compared to model predictions of the cluster size distribution. Friction coefficient measurements from electrical mobility classified agglomerates have been made and are compared to fractal models for clusters. Aerodynamic diameters of impacted agglomerates are related to the geometric mean size form optical microscopy. These results suggest that the geometric mean size can replace the spherical diameter if a particle density of 0.1 g/cc is assumed.