Generalized description of the Knudsen layer thickness in rarefied gas flows
Hassan Akhlaghi, Ehsan Roohi
Abstract
We provide the first direct calculation of the Knudsen layer (KL) thickness in rarefied gas flows based on the ballistic molecular motions in the direct simulation Monte Carlo simulations. Calculations reproduce a linear relation between the KL thickness and the mean free path (MFP) of the gas, which agrees with the classical gas kinetic theory statement. The ratio of the KL thickness and MFP is only a function of the gas molecular model at slight flow gradients. However, high flow gradient and high surface curvature effects destroy the linear relation between the KL thickness and MFP.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsFree molecular flowKnudsen numberKnudsen flowDirect simulation Monte CarloMean free pathCurvatureMechanicsFlow (mathematics)Monte Carlo methodMonatomic gasClassical mechanicsStatistical physicsGeometryElectronDynamic Monte Carlo methodQuantum mechanicsMathematicsStatisticsGas Dynamics and Kinetic TheoryPlasma Diagnostics and ApplicationsCold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates