An inverse problem arising in the evolution of combustion aerosols

Abstract

Aerosol modeling has been studied in the literature under various simplifying assumptions. We refer the reader to the book by Hidy and Brock [1] and articles [2–4], and the to the references given there. The particular model to be considered in this chapter arises in soot formation in flat flame. This model has been considered by Harris, Weiner and Ashcraft [5]; it represents conditions encountered inside an engine (e.g., an automobile engine). The model assumes particle inception and surface reaction. In order to design the shape of some components of the engine or of its exhaust, it is important to find out the inception rate I(t) and the surface reaction rate k(t) of the particles (assumed to be spheres).