Graphical Abstract

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Saito, I., T. Gotoh, and T. Watanabe, 2019: Broadening of cloud droplet size distributions by condensation in turbulence. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 97, 867-891.
https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj.2019-049   Graphical Abstract with highlights

Plain Language Summary: The Fokker-Planck equation is derived for the size distribution of cloud droplets growing by condensation in turbulence. The steady state solution for the size distribution is derived and shown to be proportional to Rexp(-cR2), where R is the droplet radius and c is a constant. The results of direct numerical simulations are shown to agree well with the theoretical prediction and also with the results from the PI-chamber, a laboratory cloud chamber.

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Highlights:

• The Fokker-Planck equation is derived for the size distribution of cloud droplets growing by condensation in turbulence.
• The aerosol (curvature and solute) effects are introduced into the Fokker-Planck equation as the zero-flux boundary condition at R2=0, where R is the droplet radius.
• The steady state solution for the size distribution is derived and shown to be proportional to Rexp(-cR2), where c is a constant.
• The results of direct numerical simulations are shown to agree well with the theoretical prediction and also with the results from the PI-chamber, a laboratory cloud chamber.