Computational Cost Reduction and Validation of Cluster-Cluster Aggregation Model

This study introduces a new collision detection method obtained by modifying the grid partitioning method, which employs spatial- and cell-partitioning, into an aggregate mean free path-cluster-cluster aggregation (AMP-CCA) model. This modification allows the AMP-CCA model to calculate the three-dimensional aggregate morphology and particle size distributions (PSDs) with computational efficiency. As compared with the previous model, the new model successfully calculates the morphology in 15% of the computational time. The calculated PSDs for a coalesced spherical particle aggregate, as calculated by the AMP-CCA model, are in reasonable agreement with the results of the sectional model regardless of concentration. The morphology calculated by the AMP-CCA model is in good agreement with previous experimental and numerical results. The AMP-CCA model, employing direct Monte Carlo simulation, serves as a useful tool to calculate the aggregate morphology and PSDs with reasonable accuracy.