Particle sizing of arc smokes by forward light scattering

The polarization ratio method similar to that proposed by Kirker et al. has been applied to obtain size distribution for several types of metallic smoke particulates generated by a dc electric arc. Results are presented for carbon, tungsten and aluminum arc smokes. These results are compared with the average size of the particulates measured by the two-angle ratio method of Hodkinson and are found to be consistent and within experimental error. The optical system was calibrated with standard latex spheres in both cases. It is believed that the parameters of the arc smoke particulate systems should be useful for environmental particulate research.