Multi-channel statistical analysis of combustion aerosols. Part I: Canonical correlations and sources of particle modes

A major problem with the analysis and investigation of combustion aerosols in the real-world environment is related to strong stochastic variations of the external and environmental parameters and factors (e.g., atmospheric turbulence, traffic fluctuations, etc.). Therefore, this paper develops new powerful statistical methods based on the canonical correlation analysis and the moving average technique, applied to combustion aerosols near a busy road. As a result, a new physical insight into the evolution of combustion aerosols and possible sources of nano-particle modes is presented and discussed. Several new particle modes are identified, analysed and associated either with trucks or cars on the road. In particular, liquid and solid particle modes are identified, and the mechanism of thermal fragmentation of solid nano-particles is used for the interpretation of the obtained results.