Atomistic Modeling of Condensed-Phase Reactions

Chemical equilibrium methods provide useful predictions of the EOS of detonation processes and the product molecules formed, but no details of the atomistic mechanisms in the detonation are revealed. We now discuss condensed-phase detonation simulations using atomistic modeling techniques to evaluate reaction mechanisms on the microscopic level. 

This chapter discusses four methods of gas phase ceramic powder synthesis by flames, fiunaces, lasers, and plasmas. In each case, the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics are similar, but the reactor design is different. To account for the particle size distribution produced in a gas phase synthesis reactor, the population balance must account for nudeation, atomistic growth (also called vapor condensation) and particle—particle segregation. These gas phase reactors are real life examples of idealized plug flow reactors that are modeled by the dispersion model for plve flow. To obtain narrow size distribution ceramic powders by gas phase synthesis, dispersion must be minimized because it leads to a broadening of the particle size distribution. Finally the gas must be quickly quenched or cooled to freeze the ceramic particles, which are often liquid at the reaction temperature, and thus prevent further aggregation. 

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