Analysis of the Low and List Drop-Breakup Formulation

Abstract

An analysis of the Low and List drop-breakup formulation has uncovered several computational problems that arise in calculating both the fragment distribution function and the Bleck expansion coefficients that appear in the discrete coalcacence/breakup equation. Special procedures have been developed to deal effectively with these problems. The discrete coalescence/breakup equation has been solved using the Low and List breakup formulation and the earlier List and Gillespie formulation. Comparison shows that the Low and List model solutions approach equilibrium more slowly than do the earlier model solutions; moreover, the Low and List equilibrium drop spectra exhibit a bimodality in the small-drop end of the spectrum. The longer time constants associated with the Low and List equations ease somewhat the severe computational stability problem associated with List and Gillespie equations.