IGF



Bachelor thesis

Minimalistic particle-based model of a cloud chamber

Author:

Supervisor:

Supervising institution:

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Igor Kumela

dr Gustavo Abade

Wydział Fizyki

2025

his thesis highlights the role of cloud chambers as a medium through which theoretical predictions
can be compared with experimental observations in the field of cloud physics. Inside the chamber,
Rayleigh–Bénard convection is generated, providing a basis for exploring turbulent flows. A derivation of the dry Rayleigh–Bénard instability is included to justify the use of turbulence models in the study. A stochastic, particle-based model of moist conditions in a chamber is then introduced and investigated. The statistical analysis of results for moist conditions shows Eulerian scalar variable distributions that are qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with those reported in the literature. It is found that the velocity-to-scalar time scale ratios for temperature and mixing ratio should be of the order of 10 in the exchange with the mean turbulent mixing model. Moreover, non-adiabatic side-walls were identified as a mechanism responsible for the increased variance of
supersaturation compared to adiabatic side-walls.


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