Calculation of flow of highly attenuated gas around a body,taking into account interactions with the surface

The results of Monte Carlo calculations are given for the aerodynamic characteristics of different bodies in free-molecular and near-free-molecular conditions. The calculations are made for different models of the interaction between the attenuated-gas flow and the surface of the body. Analysis and comparison of the results obtained with available experimental and natural data serves as the basis for a discussion of the applicability of individual parameters of these models in practical calculations.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 117–123, September–October, 1978.It remains to thank M. N. Kogan, V. A. Perepukhov, A. I. Erofeev, A. I. Bunimovich, L. L. Zvorykin, A. A. Pyarnpuu, and V. F. Kameko for discussions of the results and for valuable comments.