A comparison of nucleation theories by the asymptotic solution of condensing nozzle flows

The classical and Dillmann-Meier nucleation rates are compared in transonic nozzle flows of moist air under atmospheric supply conditions using the asymptotic solution of Delale, Schnerr and Zierep. The comparison is made in slender nozzles using two distinct expressions for the poorly known surface tension, one fitted to the experiments of Peters and Paikert by the classical theory and the other extrapolated from room temperatures to the range of temperatures investigated. The droplet growth law is fixed by the Hertz-Knudsen formula. It is shown that the Dillmann-Meier theory predicts higher nucleation rates than the classical theory together with a delay of the onset of condensation when either of the surface tension expressions is employed.