Calculation of the transport coefficients and slip velocities for molecules in the form of solid spheres

A solution of the Boltzmann equation is carried out by the Monte Carlo method for problems of rarefied gasdynamics in a linear formulation. The problems are solved by calculating the transport coefficients and slip velocities on a solid wall for molecules in the form of solid spheres. The accuracy of the method due to various parameters of the computational scheme in the solution of the problem is investigated by calculating the transport coefficients for pseudo-Maxwellian molecules.The Boltzmann kinetic equation is a complex integro-differential equation which is very difficult to solve and analyze. Hence, the solution of even one-dimensional problems and for the linearized Boltzmann equation turns out to be quite difficult, and such problems are solved by approximate methods (the expansion in Knudsen numbers, the method of moments, the expansion in series, etc. [1]). A method of solving the linearized Boltzmann equation by the Monte Carlo method is proposed in [2]. An exact solution of a number of problems of rarefied gas dynamics has been obtained by this method [3, 4]. However, the method was applied for pseudo-Maxwellian molecules, for which the collision cross section is inversely proportional to the relative velocity of the colliding particles =₀/g.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 155–158, March–April, 1971.In conclusion, the author is grateful to M. N. Kogan for formulating the problem and for great assistance provided during the research, and also to V. I. Vlasov, S. L. Gorelov and V. A. Perepukhov for assistance in compiling the program.     

Generalization of the Krook kinetic relaxation equation

One of the most significant achievements in rarefied gas theory in the last 20 years is the Krook model for the Boltzmann equation [1]. The Krook model relaxation equation retains all the features of the Boltzmann equation which are associated with free molecular motion and describes approximately, in a mean-statistical fashion, the molecular collisions. The structure of the collisional term in the Krook formula is the simplest of all possible structures which reflect the nature of the phenomenon. Careful and thorough study of the model relaxation equation [2–4], and also solution of several problems for this equation, have aided in providing a deeper understanding of the processes in a rarefied gas. However, the quantitative results obtained from the Krook model equation, with the exception of certain rare cases, differ from the corresponding results based on the exact solution of the Boltzmann equation. At least one of the sources of error is obvious. It is that, in going over to a continuum, the relaxation equation yields a Prandtl number equal to unity, while the exact value for a monatomic gas is 2/3.In a comparatively recent study [5] Holway proposed the use of the maximal probability principle to obtain a model kinetic equation which would yield in going over to a continuum the expressions for the stress tensor and the thermal flux vector with the proper viscosity and thermal conductivity.In the following we propose a technique for constructing a sequence of model equations which provide the correct Prandtl number. The technique is based on an approximation of the Boltzmann equation for pseudo-Maxwellian molecules using the method suggested by the author previously in [6], For arbitrary molecules each approximating equation may be considered a model equation. A comparison is made of our results with those of [5].     

Solution of the temperature jump (Knudsen layer flow) and linear heat-transfer problems for two parallel plates in a rarefied gas

The Monte Carlo method [1, 2] is used to solve the linearized Boltzmann equation for the problem of heat transfer between parallel plates with a wall temperature jump (Knudsen layer flow). The linear Couette problem can be separated into two problems: the problem of pure shear and the problem of heat transfer between two parallel plates. The Knudsen layer problem is also linear [3] and, like the Couette problem, can be separated into the velocity slip and temperature jump problems. The problems of pure shear and velocity slip have been examined in [2].The temperature jump problem was examined in [4] for a model Boltzmann equation. For the linearized Boltzmann equation the problems noted above have been solved either by expanding the distribution function in orthogonal polynomials [5–7], which yields satisfactory results for small Knudsen numbers, or by the method of moments, with an approximation for the distribution function selected from physical considerations in the form of polynomials [8–10]. The solution presented below does not require any assumptions on the form of the distribution function.The concrete calculations were made for a molecular model that we call the Maxwell sphere model. It is assumed that the molecules collide like hard elastic spheres whose sections are inversely proportional to the relative velocity of the colliding molecules. A gas of these molecules is close to Maxwellian or to a gas consisting of pseudo-Maxwell molecules [3].     

Spherical expansion of vapor during evaporation of a droplet

The problem of the evaporation of a spherical particle is solved by a numerical finnite-difference method for the stationary and nonstationary cases on the basis of the generalized Krook kinetic equation [1]. Evaporation into a vacuum and into a flooded space are considered taking into account the reduction in size and cooling of the droplet. The minimum mass outflow is determined for stationary evaporation into a vacuum at small Knudsen numbers. The results are compared with those of other authors for both the spherical and plane problems. Most previous studies have used different approximations which reduce either to linearizing the problem [2, 3] or to use of the Hertz-Knudsen equation [4]. The inaccurate procedure of matching free molecular and diffusive flows at some distance from the surface of the droplet [5] is completely unsuitable in the absence of a neutral gas. Equations for the rate of growth of a droplet in a slightly supercooled vapor were obtained in [6] from a solution of the ellipsoidal kinetic model by the method of (expansion of) moments.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 97–102, March–April, 1976.     

Non-isothermal couette flow of a rarefied gas between two rotating cylinders

An accurate numerical solution of the momentum and the heat transfer through a rarefied gas confined between two cylinders rotating with different angular velocities and having different temperatures has been obtained over a wide range of the Knudsen number on the basis of the Bhatnagar, Gross, Krook model equation. The viscous stress tensor, heat flux, and the fields of density, temperature and velocity are found. An analysis of the influence of the angular velocities and the temperature ratio on these quantities is given.     

Numerical study of the generalized cylindrical Couette flow of rarefied gas

We study the cylindrical Couette flow of a rarefied gas between two cylinders in the generalized setup in which the inner of which not only rotates but also slides along its axis. The analysis is based on the numerical solution of the S-model kinetic equation. The influence of ratio of cylinder radiuses, velocities of the inner cylinder and Knudsen number on shear stresses, mass-flow rates as well as macroscopic parameters is investigated in the broad range of Knudsen numbers.     

Solution to problem of strong evaporation of a monatomic gas by the Monte Carlo method

The Monte Carlo method has been used to obtain a numerical solution to the problem of strong evaporation of a monatomic gas in which the molecules are modeled by pseudo-Maxwellian and hard spheres. A comparison with the results of other authors is made. The results agree well with the solution of the problem obtained on the basis of the model Bhatnagar—Gross—Krook kinetic equation.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 185–188, January–February, 1984.I should like to thank M. N. Kogan for discussing the results.     

Heat transfer from a heated sphere in a rarefied gas at rest

We consider the problem of heat transfer from a slightly heated sphere in a resting rarefied gas. We assume that the Krook equation is valid in this case. Two forms of the basic equations are presented, and relations are given which are obtained as a result of calculations of the heat flux and the temperature jump at the sphere surface as a function of a parameter which is inversely proportional to the Knudsen number. The results obtained are compared with results given by the known approximate theories.In conclusion the author wishes to thank M. N. Kogan for proposing the problem and for numerous discussions.     

Intense evaporation of a gas from a two-dimensional periodic surface

Evaporation (or condensation) of a gas is said to be intense when the normal component of the velocity of the gas in the Knudsen layer has a value of the order of the thermal velocity of a molecule, c_T=(2kT/m)^1/2. In this case the distribution function of the molecules with respect to their velocities in the Knudsen layer differs from the equilibrium (Maxwellian) value by its own magnitude. As a result of this, over the thickness of the Knudsen layer the macroparameters also vary by their own magnitudes. So in order to obtain the correct boundary conditions for the Euler gas dynamic equations, it is necessary to solve the nonlinear Boltzmann equation in the Knudsen layer. The problem of obtaining such boundary conditions for the case of a plane surface was considered in [1–11]. In the present study this problem is solved for a two-dimensional periodic surface in the case when the dimensions of the inhomogeneities are of the order of the mean free path of the molecules and the inhomogeneities have a rectangular shape. The flow in the Knudsen layer becomes two-dimensional, and this leads to a considerable complication of the solution of the problem.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 132–139, March–April, 1985.In conclusion the author would like to express his gratitude to V. A. Zharov for his valuable advice, and also V. S. Galkin, M. N. Kogan, and N. K. Makashev for discussion of the results obtained.     

Numerical simulation of shock wave propagation in microchannels using continuum and kinetic approaches

Numerical simulations of shock wave propagation in microchannels and microtubes (viscous shock tube problem) have been performed using three different approaches: the Navier–Stokes equations with the velocity slip and temperature jump boundary conditions, the statistical Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method for the Boltzmann equation, and the model kinetic Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook equation with the Shakhov equilibrium distribution function. Effects of flow rarefaction and dissipation are investigated and the results obtained with different approaches are compared. A parametric study of the problem for different Knudsen numbers and initial shock strengths is carried out using the Navier–Stokes computations.      

Investigation of the rarefied gas flow around a circular cylinder in stationary and oscillatory regimes

Numerically, on the basis of the Krook kinetic equation, the rarefied gas flow around a circular cylinder is investigated in stationary and oscillatory regimes. The flows around a rotating cylinder and a cylinder with a nonuniformly heated surface are considered. The Knudsen numbers at which the lift force acting on the rotating cylinder changes sign are calculated. It is shown that at low Knudsen numbers a lift force acts on the nonuniformly heated cylinder.     

Slip and Macroparameter Jumps of a Polyatomic Gas with Rotational Degrees of Freedom on a Weakly Curved Spherical Surface

The problem of the slip of a temperature-inhomogeneous polyatomic gas along a spherical surface of small curvature is solved. The solution is obtained using the half-space moment method on the basis of a previously proposed model kinetic equation which takes into account the rotational degrees of freedom of the polyatomic gas. Both the first- and second-order (in the Knudsen number) slip coefficients and the polyatomic gas macroparameter jump coefficients on the phase interface are obtained. These coefficients are given as functions of the tangential momentum accommodation coefficients, the translational and rotational energy accommodation coefficients, and the Prandtl number. The kinetic coefficients are calculated for certain polyatomic gases.     

Flow of a binary gas mixture with arbitrary accommodation of the tangential momentum

The system of BGK (Bhatnagar, Gross, Krook) equations describing the isothermal flow of a binary gas mixture in a capillary with arbitrary accommodation of the tangential momentum is solved by the Bubnov-Galerkin method. General expressions are given for the kinetic thermodynamic coefficients which are valid in the whole range of Knudsen numbers and have the correct free-molecule and viscous limits. The diffusion-slip coefficients, calculated by using test values of the fraction of diffuse reflection, are compared with the experimental results.     

Strong recondensation in a one-component and a two-component rarefied gas for an arbitrary value of Knudsen number

As is known, surface phenomena such as evaporation, absorption, and reflection of molecules from the surface of a body depend strongly on its temperature [1–5]. This leads to the establishment of a flow of a substance between two surfaces maintained at different temperatures (recondensation). The phenomenon of recondensation was studied in kinetic theory comparatively long ago. However, up to the present, only the case of small mass flows in a onecomponent gas has been investigated completely [3,4]. Meanwhile it is clear that by the creation of appropriate conditions we can obtain considerable flows of the recondensing substance, so that the mass-transfer rate will be of the order of the molecular thermal velocity. Such a numerical solution of the problem with strong mass flows along the normal to the surface for small Knudsen numbers for a model Boltzmann kinetic equation was obtained in [7]. In this study we numerically solve the problem of strong recondensation between two infinite parallel plates over a wide range of Knudsen numbers for a one-component and a two-component gas, on the basis of the model Boltzmann kinetic equation [6] for a one-component gas and the model Boltzmann kinetic equation for a binary mixture in the form assumed by Hamel [8], for a ratio of the plate temperatures equal to ten. We also investigate the effect of the relative plate motion on the recondensation flow.Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 130–138, September–October, 1972.     

Spiral vortices between concentric cylinders

Spiral vortices appearing in Couette-Taylor flows are studied by means of numerical simulation. Transition curves from Couette to spiral vortices for different radius ratios and wavenumbers have been calculated in order to test our technique. Critical Reynolds numbers, angular velocities and slopes of the spirals at the onset of the instability agree with previous results [1]. Non-linear solutions obtained by a pseudospectral collocation method are studied, and they show a weak net axial flow. In order to counteract this effect, which is absent in the usual experimental set-up, an axial pressure gradient has been included. This procedure has proved to be sufficient to make the axial flow negligible. The onset of a quasiperiodic flow for larger Reynolds numbers, corresponding to a secondary bifurcation is also presented.     

Use of the equation for turbulent viscosity to describe the flow near a rough surface

An investigation of the flow at a rough surface, as well as in pipes and channels with rough walls, is one of the most important problems of applied hydrodynamics. Results of classical investigations, in which the most important flow properties near a rough surface are clarified, are generalized in [1–3]. These investigations are the basis for the construction of numerous semiempirical theories using the “mixing path∝ model of L. Prandtl (for instance, [4–6]). However, despite their simplicity these methods possess all the disadvantages inherent in the Prandtl theory: They are not universal, they describe the transition from the laminar to the turbulent mode poorly, and they are not applicable for the computation of complex non-self-similar flows. Meanwhile, an analysis of the experimental results obtained in [7], for example, indicates an extremely complex flow structure both in the neighborhood of the rough surface and far away from it. Models using the differential equation of the kinetic energy of turbulence have recently been developed to describe turbulent flow near a rough surface [8]. The possibilities of applying a model using the equation for turbulent viscosity to close the problem [9] are analyzed in this paper in an example of a steady turbulent incompressible fluid flow in a circular pipe with rough walls.     

Analytical solution of the problem of sphere rotation in a rarefied molecular gas

A problem of sphere rotation in a rarefied molecular gas is solved in an isothermal approximation. The particle velocity profile in the rarefied molecular gas entrained by the rotating sphere is obtained with a second-order correction in terms of the Knudsen number. For a rarefied molecular gas, in contrast to a monatomic gas, the particle velocity is demonstrated to depend substantially on the Prandtl number if rotational degrees of freedom of molecules are taken into account.     

Numerical Calculation of the Hypersonic Rarefied Transverse Flow Past a Cold Flat Plate

The hypersonic rarefied transverse flow past a flat plate is considered over a wide Knudsen number range. The problem is formulated for a model kinetic equation and solved using an implicit finite-difference second-order method. The results presented demonstrate the Knudsen and Mach number effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of the plate and the flow pattern.     

Rarefied gas flows based on variational principle

A variational principle has been utilized to study Couette flow, and Kramers' velocity slip problem with specular-diffuse reflection. The method leads to extremely satisfactory analytic results for the velocity slip coefficient and also for the variation of shear stress with inverse Knudsen number. This leads us to the conclusion that the present variational principle even with extremely simple trial functions, essentially suggested by continuum flow theory, is a useful means of computing macroscopic quantities of physical interest in rarefied gas dynamics.