Abstract
A radially classified aerosol detector (RCAD) for fast characterization of fine particle size distributions aboard aircraft has been designed and implemented. The measurement system includes a radial differential mobility analyzer and a high-flow, high-efficiency condensation nuclei counter based on modifications to a commercial model (TSI, model 3010). Variations in pressure encountered during changes in altitude in flight are compensated by feedback control of volumetric flow rates with a damped proportional control algorithm. Sampling resolution is optimized with the use of an automated dual-bag sampling system. This new system has been tested aboard the University of Washington C131a research aircraft to demonstrate its in-flight performance capabilities. The system was used to make measurements of aerosol, providing observations of the spatial variability within the cloud-topped boundary layer off the coast of Monterey, California.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 598-609 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |