Computer simulations of cluster–cluster aggregation

Abstract

We briefly introduce a simple extension of the diffusion-limited aggregation model of Witten and Sander, the cluster-cluster aggregation model, in which all clusters diffuse and grow by sticking at their first contact. This model is particularly well adapted to describe aggregation experiments on colloids or aerosols. Three recent extensions of the model are emphasized which take into account possible restructuring, cluster polarizability or indirect aggregation by polymers. In these three cases the computer simulations are compared with experiment.