Simulating giant hailstone structure with a ballistic aggregation model

A ballistic aggregation model designed for thin film simulation in microelectronics has been adapted to simulate the rime growth behaviour of hailstones. The model is able to account for both lobe development and the occurrence of large air bubbles and voids. The microstructures predicted by the model and those observed in a thin section of a giant hailstone are seen to be both qualitatively and quantitatively similar, lending some support to the possibility that certain large hailstones may grow by the accretion of low density rime with subsequent soaking.