A general expression of condensation coefficient

Abstract

We are proposing a formulation on the condensation coefficient of vapor molecule at liquid-vapor interface based on molecular dynamics studies. The equation is a function of translation energy of incident molecule and surface temperature : σ_c=α[1-βexp{-mv^2_z/(2kT)}], Where v_z is the velocity component perendicular to the surface, k the Boltzmann constant, m the mass of molecule, T the temperature of liquid surface. The parameters α and β are constants describing characteristics of surface structure. It is found that the transition state theory gives us values α and β theoretically. We are therefore able to have a general expression of condensation coefficient. In order to describe the temperature profile in the vicinity of the liquid surface we should use the formulation instead of the conventional condensation coefficient with uniform value.