Electrostatic, Thermal and Vapor Density Fields Surrounding Stationary Columnar Ice Crystals

Abstract

Formulas suitable for calculating the electrostatic, temperature, and vapor density fields surrounding stationary columnar ice crystals are derived. Columnar ice crystals are approximated as circular cylinders of finite lengths. In this way the effects of sharp edges are taken into account. Results of electrostatic fields for some columnar ice crystals are shown. The potential distribution of a prolate spheroid is also determined and compared to that of a circular cylinder. The results show that the approximation of a columnar crystal by a prolate spheroid is inadequate. Formulas are also given to convert the electric fields into temperature and vapor density fields.