SAE AIR877C

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This Aerospace Information Report (AIR) describes a mathematical model that can be used to analyze particle count data. Particle counts that fit the model can be graphically displayed, converted from one counting size-frequency range to another, and extrapolated to estimate counts beyond the measured range. Derivation, applications and calculations are described.

Cumulative particle counts larger than stated size-range are fitted against a modified log-normal distribution function by plotting on special log-log graph paper. Many real particle distributions approximate a straight line, showing good fit for this log-normal model. The resultant plot provides a basis for further analysis, including size-range conversion and extrapolation.