Dynamics of the droplet size distribution function during the gradual creation of a supersaturation state under different regimes of droplet growth

The method of the direct numerical integration of kinetic equations of droplet size distribution functions that was previously proposed by the authors is employed to solve the problem of condensation relaxation in a vapor-gas mixture during the creation of a supersaturation state at a finite rate. Two relaxation regimes are considered. In the static regime, the mixture is expanded at a constant rate until a preset supersaturation ratio is achieved; in the dynamic regime, the expansion is continued. Solutions are obtained for argon-cesium and argon-ethane mixtures, thus making it possible to study the dependence of the process character on the Knudsen number. The effects of the rate of the supersaturation creation and the relaxation regime on the droplet size distribution function are analyzed.