A multigrid method for N-component nucleation

摘要

A multigrid algorithm has been developed enabling more efficient solution of the cluster size distribution for N-component nucleation from the Becker-Dring equations. The theoretical derivation is valid for an arbitrary number of condensing components, making the simulation of many-component nucleating systems feasible. A steady state ternary nucleation problem is defined to demonstrate its efficiency. The results are used as a validation for existing nucleation theories. The non-steady state ternary problem provides useful insight into the initial stages of the nucleation process. We observe that for the ideal mixture the main nucleation flux bypasses the saddle point.