Simulation of gaseous microscale transport phenomena via kinetic theory

Abstract

Kinetic theory of gases, as described by the Boltzmann or model kinetic equations, provides a solid theoretical approach for solving microscale transport phenomena in gases. Due to significant advancement in computational kinetic theory and due to the availability of high speed parallel computers, kinetic equations may be solved numerically with modest computational effort. In this framework, recently developed upgraded discrete velocity algorithms for solving linear and nonlinear kinetic equations are presented. In addition, their applicability in simulating efficiently and accurately multidimensional micro flow and heat transfer problems is demonstrated. Analysis and results are valid in the whole range of the Knudsen number. Copyright © 2010 by ASME.