Solution (source code)

= Solution

If $Q_D^*\propto D^b$, part (b) gives
$$
R_{\rm cc}(D)\propto
D^{3-\alpha+b(1-\alpha)/3}.
$$
The mass in one logarithmic size interval scales as $D^3[D n(D)]\propto D^{4-\alpha}$. A steady <collisional cascade> requires the mass destroyed per unit time, and hence the mass flux through every logarithmic interval, to be independent of $D$. Its exponent is therefore
$$
4-\alpha+3-\alpha+\frac{b(1-\alpha)}3=0.
$$
Solving gives
$$
\boxed{\alpha=\frac{21+b}{6+b}}.
$$