On the self-similarity of the aggregation–fragmentation equilibrium particle size distribution

A rather simple (yet general) theoretical analysis is presented concerning the steady-state particle size distribution in combined aggregation–fragmentation processes. The general conditions are provided for this distribution to exhibit self-similar behaviour. The theory is applied to the case of turbulent aggregation-fragmentation of fractal particles. It is shown that by using this analysis, experimental data can be interpreted without resorting to a numerical solution of the population balance equation.