The size distribution of raindrops

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Abstract
Experimental data relating to drop size distribution in rain are examined and it is shown that in many cases the size distribution is in accordance with the following formulae 1 ‐ F = exp [‐(x/a)n] a = A Ip W = C Ir where F = fraction of liquid water in the air comprised by drops with diameter less than x. I = rate of precipitation. W = amount of liquid water per unit volume of air. A, C, p, r and n are constants. If × is measured in mm, I in mm/hr and W in mm3/m3 the mean values of A, C, p, r and n are 1.30, 67, 0.232, 0.846 and 2.25 respectively. There may be appreciable variations from these mean values, particularly in the case of n, if the precipitation is essentially of a showery or orographic nature. Tables based on these formulae are given showing values of W and of the number and total volume of drops between certain diameter limits for various rates of rainfall.

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