Group 1: Optical properties of fractal aggregates

1. Generate a population of percolation aggregates (at least 20), with sizes ranging from 20
to 200 monomers.
2. Generate a separate population of DLA aggregates whose sizes match those of the
percolation aggregates.
3. Find the fractal dimension of the percolation and DLA aggregates using your structure
factor code.
4. Discretize each aggregate such that the diameter of each monomer is 12 dipoles.
5. Once discretized, email the non-discretized and discretized aggregates to Payton. ADDA
results for percolation and DLCA aggregates will be provided, these will include optical
cross-sections and Mueller matrices.
6. Compare the optical cross-sections of DLCA and percolation aggregates to those
obtained by an equivalent-mass sphere. Assume that these are black carbon with
refractive index 1.95+0.79i, density of 1.8 g/cm 3, and monomer radius of 20 nm. Discuss
the implications of discrepancies between the optical cross-sections of fractal
aggregates vs. volume-equivalent spheres.
7. Compare the asymmetry parameter and phase function of DLCA and percolation
aggregates to those obtained by an equivalent-mass sphere. Discuss the implications of
discrepancies between the asymmetry parameter and phase function of fractal
aggregates vs. volume-equivalent spheres.

Group 2: Mobility diameter of fractal aggregates

1. Generate a population of percolation aggregates (at least 20), with sizes ranging from 20
to 200 monomers.
2. Generate a separate population of DLA aggregates whose sizes match those of the
percolation aggregates.
3. Find the fractal dimension of the percolation and DLA aggregates using your structure
factor code.
4. Find the principal axes of rotation of each aggregate by calculating the eigenvectors of
the moment of inertia tensor. Rotate the aggregate such that the 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd
principal axes align with the x, y, and z axis.
8. Discretize each aggregate such that the diameter of each monomer is 12 dipoles.
9. Once discretized, find the projected area of each aggregate in the x-y, x-z, and y-z plane.
10. Find the mobility diameter of your DLA aggregates and percolation aggregates using the
relation:

1
d m =2
√ A
π proj

Where Aproj is the maximum of the three projected areas found previously.
5. Plot particle mass vs. mobility diameter. What is the mass-mobility exponent for each
type of aggregate? (Use density of 1.8 g/cm3 and monomer radius of 20nm)
6. What is the relationship between fractal dimension and mass-mobility exponent?
7. From the given SMPS data, find the mass distribution which would be attained assuming
each type of aggregate. How does this compare with the mass distribution attained
assuming the particles are spheres?