Equilibrium size distribution function of clusters in finite system

TL;DR

This paper derives the equilibrium size distribution function of clusters in finite systems using statistical thermodynamics and kinetic equations, and validates results with computer simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a method to determine cluster size distributions in finite systems considering both isothermal and isolated conditions, validated by simulations.

Findings

Distribution function derived analytically

Results agree with computer simulation data

Applicable to finite systems in thermodynamics

Abstract

The equilibrium size distribution function of clusters (nanoparticles) in the system of finite number of molecules (atoms) in finite closed volume with constant total energy (isolated system) is found using methods of statistical thermodynamics. The distribution function is found from kinetic equation of nucleation using one-drop approximation for both isothermal and isolated systems. The results obtained are compared with computer simulation data of finite two-dimensional system.