Condensational growth of spherical water droplets altered under external electric fields

Abstract

The article explores the theoretical aspects of the growth of small water droplets by condensation in significant electric fields, commonly present in cumulonimbus and thunderstorm clouds. The research investigates the impact of exposure to electric fields on growth using a comprehensive thermodynamic approach, which incorporates various sources of the field, such as the cloud’s field, electrokinetic potential within the diffuse layer, droplet’s charge and polarisation. The model considers the anisotropy of field superposition and demonstrates analytical integration techniques across the droplet’s surface. Overall, the study expands our understanding of electric-field-driven droplet growth and corroborates prior findings of enhanced condensation.