Introduction in Nanoparticle Physics with a Focus on Combustion-derived Particles

A brief introduction to the behaviour of particles in gas suspension (aerosols) will be given. In particular the influence of the particle size on the interaction of the particle with the surrounding gas, which determines the motion of the particle as diffusion, sedimentation or motion of charged particles in an electrical field, is discussed. From this interaction, definitions for equivalent diameters for nonspherical particles (mobility- and aerodynamic diameters) are derived as well as definitions for the surface. The influence of coagulation on the number concentration as a function of time is shown. Furthermore, formation and properties of combustion particles are briefly discussed. Reasons leading to particle emission are given and differences between particles from different sources are discussed.