Showing papers on "Knudsen number published in 2017"

Heat transport in two-dimensional materials by directly solving the phonon Boltzmann equation under Callaway's dual relaxation model

Abstract: The single mode relaxation time approximation has been demonstrated to greatly underestimate the lattice thermal conductivity of two-dimensional materials due to the collective effect of phonon normal scattering. Callaway's dual relaxation model represents a good approximation to the otherwise ab initio solution of the phonon Boltzmann equation. In this work we develop a discrete-ordinate-method (DOM) scheme for the numerical solution of the phonon Boltzmann equation under Callaway's model. Heat transport in a graphene ribbon with different geometries is modeled by our scheme, which produces results quite consistent with the available molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, and experimental measurements. Callaway's lattice thermal conductivity model with empirical boundary scattering rates is examined and shown to overestimate or underestimate the direct DOM solution. The length convergence of the lattice thermal conductivity of a rectangular graphene ribbon is explored and found to depend appreciably on the ribbon width, with a semiquantitative correlation provided between the convergence length and the width. Finally, we predict the existence of a phonon Knudsen minimum in a graphene ribbon only at a low system temperature and isotope concentration so that the average normal scattering rate is two orders of magnitude stronger than the intrinsic resistive one. The present work will promote not only the methodology for the solution of the phonon Boltzmann equation but also the theoretical modeling and experimental detection of hydrodynamic phonon transport in two-dimensional materials.

A Unified Gas Kinetic Scheme for Continuum and Rarefied Flows V: Multiscale and Multi-Component Plasma Transport

Abstract: As a continuation of developing multiscale method for the transport phenomena, a unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) for multi-scale and multi-component plasma simulation is constructed. The current scheme is a direct modeling method, where the time evolution solutions from the Vlasov-BGK equations of electron and ion and the Maxwell equations are used to construct a scale-dependent plasma simulation model. The modeling scale used in the UGKS is the mesh size scale, which can be comparable to or much larger than the local mean free path. As a result, with the variation of modeling scales in space and time through the so-called cell's Knudsen number and normalized Larmor radius, the discretized governing equations can recover a wide range of plasma evolution from the Vlasov equation in the kinetic scale to different-type of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in the hydrodynamic scale. The UGKS provides a general evolution model, which goes to the Vlasov equation in the kinetic scale and many types of MHD equations in the hydrodynamic scale, such as the two fluids model, the Hall, the resistive, and the ideal MHD equations. All current existing governing equations become the subsets of the UGKS, and the UGKS bridges these distinguishable governing equations seamlessly. The construction of UGKS is based on the implementation of physical conservation laws and the un-splitting treatment of particle collision, acceleration, and transport in the construction of a scale-dependent numerical flux across a cell interface. At the same time, the discretized plasma evolution equations are coupled with the Maxwell equations for electro-magnetic fields, which also cover a scale-dependent transition between the Ampere's law and the Ohm's law for the calculation of electric field. The time step of UGKS is not limited by the relaxation time, the cyclotron period, and the speed of light in the ideal-MHD regime. Our scheme is able to give a physically accurate solution for plasma simulation with a wide range of Knudsen number and normalized Larmor radius. It can be used to study the phenomena from the Vlasov limit to the scale of plasma skin depth for the capturing of two-fluid effect, and the phenomena in the plasma transition regime with a modest Knudsen number and Larmor radius. The UGKS is validated by numerical test cases, such as the Landau damping and two stream instability in the kinetic regime, and the Brio-Wu shock tube problem, and the Orszag-Tang MHD turbulence problem in the hydrodynamic regime. The scheme is also used to study the geospace environment modeling (GEM), such as the challenging magnetic reconnection problem in the transition regime. At the same time, the magnetic reconnection mechanism of the Sweet-Parker model and the Hall effect model can be connected smoothly through the variation of Larmor radius in the UGKS simulations. Overall, the UGKS is a physically reliable multi-scale plasma simulation method, and it provides a powerful and unified approach for the study of plasma physics.

MHD forced convection and entropy generation of CuO-water nanofluid in a microchannel considering slip velocity and temperature jump

Abstract: Flow field, heat transfer and entropy generation of forced convection of CuO-water nanofluid is investigated in a parallel plate microchannel in the presence of magnetic field. Two vertical micromixers are attached on the hot walls of the microchannel. To consider the effect of the Brownian motion of the nanoparticles, the KKL model is utilized to estimate thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. The governing equations, which are accompanied with the slip velocity and temperature jump boundary conditions, are solved by the finite volume method (FVM) and SIMPLER algorithm. The study is conducted for the Reynolds numbers in the range of 10 < Re < 100, Hartmann numbers in the range of 0 < Ha < 40, Knudsen numbers ranging of 0 < Kn < 0.1 and volume fraction of nanoparticles ranging of 0 < φ < 0.04. The results show that when the Hartmann or Reynolds numbers, or the volume fraction of nanoparticles increase, the average Nusselt number and the total entropy generation rate increase. Furthermore, when Knudsen number increases, the total entropy generation rate decreases.

On the apparent permeability of porous media in rarefied gas flows

Abstract: The apparent gas permeability of the porous medium is an important parameter in the prediction of unconventional gas production, which was first investigated systematically by Klinkenberg in 1941 and found to increase with the reciprocal mean gas pressure (or equivalently, the Knudsen number). Although the underlying rarefaction effects are well-known, the reason that the correction factor in Klinkenberg's famous equation decreases when the Knudsen number increases has not been fully understood. Most of the studies idealize the porous medium as a bundle of straight cylindrical tubes, however, according to the gas kinetic theory, this only results in an increase of the correction factor with the Knudsen number, which clearly contradicts Klinkenberg's experimental observations. Here, by solving the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook equation in simplified (but not simple) porous media, we identify, for the first time, two key factors that can explain Klinkenberg's experimental results: the tortuous flow path and the non-unitary tangential momentum accommodation coefficient for the gas-surface interaction. Moreover, we find that Klinkenberg's results can only be observed when the ratio between the apparent and intrinsic permeabilities is $\lesssim30$; at large ratios (or Knudsen numbers) the correction factor increases with the Knudsen number. Our numerical results could also serve as benchmarking cases to assess the accuracy of macroscopic models and/or numerical schemes for the modeling/simulation of rarefied gas flows in complex geometries over a wide range of gas rarefaction.

Critical rotational speed, critical velocity of fluid flow and free vibration analysis of a spinning SWCNT conveying viscous fluid

Abstract: In this article, the influences of rotational speed and velocity of viscous fluid flow on free vibration behavior of spinning single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are investigated using the modified couple stress theory (MCST). Taking attention to the first-order shear deformation theory, the modeled rotating SWCNT and its equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The formulations include Coriolis, centrifugal and initial hoop tension effects due to rotation of the SWCNT. This system is conveying viscous fluid, and the related force is calculated by modified Navier–Stokes relation considering slip boundary condition and Knudsen number. The accuracy of the presented model is validated with some cases in the literatures. Novelty of this study is considering the effects of spinning, conveying viscous flow and MCST in addition to considering the various boundary conditions of the SWCNT. Generalized differential quadrature method is used to approximately discretize the model and to approximate the equations of motion. Then, influence of material length scale parameter, velocity of viscous fluid flow, angular velocity, length, length-to-radius ratio, radius-to-thickness ratio and boundary conditions on critical speed, critical velocity and natural frequency of the rotating SWCNT conveying viscous fluid flow are investigated.

Clustering instabilities in sedimenting fluid-solid systems: critical assessment of kinetic-theory-based predictions using direct numerical simulation data

Abstract: In this work the quantitative and qualitative ability of a kinetic-theory-based two-fluid model (KT-TFM) is assessed in a state of fully periodic sedimentation (fluidization), with a focus on statistically steady, unstable (clustered) states. The accuracy of KT-TFM predictions is evaluated via direct comparison to direct numerical simulation (DNS) data. The KT-TFM and DNS results span a rather wide parameter space: mean-flow Reynolds numbers on the order of 1 and 10, mean solid volume fractions from 0.1 to 0.4, solid-to-fluid density ratios from 10 to 1000 and elastic and moderately inelastic (restitution coefficient of 0.9) conditions. Data from both KT-TFM and DNS display a rich variety of statistically steady yet unstable structures (clusters). Instantaneous snapshots of KT-TFM and DNS demonstrate remarkable qualitative agreement. This qualitative agreement is quantified by calculating the critical density ratio at which the structure transitions from a chaotic, dynamic state to a regular, plug-flow state, with good overall comparisons. Further quantitative assessments of mean and fluctuating velocities show good agreement at high density ratios but weaker agreement at intermediate to low density ratios depending on the mean-flow Reynolds numbers and solid fractions. Deviations of the KT-TFM results from the DNS data were traced to a breakdown in one of the underlying assumptions of the kinetic theory derivation: high thermal Stokes number. Surprisingly, however, even though the low Knudsen number assumption, also associated with the kinetic theory derivation, is violated throughout most of the parameter space, it does not seem to affect the good quantitative accuracy of KT-TFM simulations.

Thermally induced gas flows in ratchet channels with diffuse and specular boundaries

Abstract: A net gas flow can be induced in the gap between periodically structured surfaces held at fixed but different temperatures when the reflection symmetry along the channel axis is broken. Such a situation arises when one surface features a ratchet structure and can be augmented by altering the boundary conditions on different parts of this surface, with some regions reflecting specularly and others diffusely. In order to investigate the physical mechanisms inducing the flow in this configuration at various Knudsen numbers and geometric configurations, direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations are employed using transient adaptive subcells for collision partner selection. At large Knudsen numbers the results compare favorably with analytical expressions, while for small Knudsen numbers a qualitative explanation for the flow in the strong temperature inhomogeneity at the tips of the ratchet is provided. A detailed investigation of the performance for various ratchet geometries suggests optimum working conditions for a Knudsen pump based on this mechanism.

On the apparent permeability of porous media in rarefied gas flows

Abstract: The apparent gas permeability of the porous medium is an important parameter in the prediction of unconventional gas production, which was first investigated systematically by Klinkenberg in 1941 and found to increase with the reciprocal mean gas pressure (or equivalently, the Knudsen number). Although the underlying rarefaction effects are well-known, the reason that the correction factor in Klinkenberg's famous equation decreases when the Knudsen number increases has not been fully understood. Most of the studies idealize the porous medium as a bundle of straight cylindrical tubes, however, according to the gas kinetic theory, this only results in an increase of the correction factor with the Knudsen number, which clearly contradicts Klinkenberg's experimental observations. Here, by solving the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook equation in simplified (but not simple) porous media, we identify, for the first time, two key factors that can explain Klinkenberg's experimental results: the tortuous flow path and the non-unitary tangential momentum accommodation coefficient for the gas-surface interaction. Moreover, we find that Klinkenberg's results can only be observed when the ratio between the apparent and intrinsic permeabilities is $\lesssim30$; at large ratios (or Knudsen numbers) the correction factor increases with the Knudsen number. Our numerical results could also serve as benchmarking cases to assess the accuracy of macroscopic models and/or numerical schemes for the modeling/simulation of rarefied gas flows in complex geometries over a wide range of gas rarefaction. Specifically, we point out that the Navier-Stokes equations with the first-order velocity-slip boundary condition are often misused to predict the apparent gas permeability of the porous media; that is, any nonlinear dependence of the apparent gas permeability with the Knudsen number, predicted from the Navier-Stokes equations, is not reliable. Worse still, for some type of gas-surface interactions, even the ``filtered'' linear dependence of the apparent gas permeability with the Knudsen number is of no practical use since, compared to the numerical solution of the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook equation, it is only accurate when the ratio between the apparent and intrinsic permeabilities is $\lesssim1.5$.

A paradigm for modeling and computation of gas dynamics

Abstract: In the continuum flow regime, the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are usually used for the description of gas dynamics. On the other hand, the Boltzmann equation is applied for the rarefied flow. These two equations are based on distinguishable modeling scales for flow physics. Fortunately, due to the scale separation, i.e., the hydrodynamic and kinetic ones, both the Navier-Stokes equations and the Boltzmann equation are applicable in their respective domains. However, in real science and engineering applications, they may not have such a distinctive scale separation. For example, around a hypersonic flying vehicle, the flow physics at different regions may correspond to different regimes, where the local Knudsen number can be changed significantly in several orders of magnitude. With a variation of flow physics, theoretically a continuous governing equation from the kinetic Boltzmann modeling to the hydrodynamic Navier-Stokes dynamics should be used for its efficient description. However, due to the diffic...

Different variants of R13 moment equations applied to the shock-wave structure

Abstract: Various versions of the regularized 13-moment system (R13) are applied to the problem of the shock wave structure in a monatomic Maxwell gas for Mach numbers up to M = 10. Numerical solutions are compared to direct simulation Monte Carlo results computed by the SMILE++ software system, in order to identify applicability and limitations of the variants. Over time, several versions of the R13 equations were presented, which differ in non-linear contributions for high-order moments but agree in asymptotic expansion to the third order in the Knudsen number. All variants describe typical subsonic microflows well, for which the non-linear contributions only play a minor role. The challenge of the present study is to determine the real boundaries of applicability of each variant of the moment equations as applied to non-equilibrium supersonic flows, depending on the Mach number and local Knudsen number.

Size-dependent effects on critical flow velocity of a SWCNT conveying viscous fluid based on nonlocal strain gradient cylindrical shell model

Abstract: This article investigates vibration and instability analysis of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) conveying viscous fluid flow. For this purpose, the first-order shear deformation shell model is developed in the framework of nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) for the first time. The proposed model is a conveying viscous fluid in which the external force of fluid flow is applied by the modified Navier–Stokes relation and considering slip boundary condition and Knudsen number. The NSGT can be reduced to the nonlocal elasticity theory, strain gradient theory or the classical elasticity theory by inserting their specific nonlocal parameters and material length scale parameters into the governing equations. Comparison of above-mentioned theories suggests that the NSGT predicts the greatest critical fluid flow velocity and stability region. The governing equations of motion and corresponding boundary conditions are discretized using the generalized differential quadrature method. Furthermore, the effects of the material length scale, nonlocal parameter, Winkler elastic foundation and Pasternak elastic foundation on vibration behavior and instability of a SWCNT conveying viscous fluid flow with simply supported and clamped–clamped boundary conditions are investigated.

Unified Gas-kinetic Scheme with Multigrid Convergence for Rarefied Flow Study

Abstract: The unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) is a direct modeling method based on the gas dynamical model on the mesh size and time step scales. With the implementation of particle transport and collision in a time-dependent flux function, the UGKS can recover multiple flow physics from the kinetic particle transport to the hydrodynamic wave propagation. In comparison with direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC), the equations-based UGKS can use the implicit techniques in the updates of macroscopic conservative variables and microscopic distribution function. The implicit UGKS significantly increases the convergence speed for steady flow computations, especially in the highly rarefied and near continuum regime. In order to further improve the computational efficiency, for the first time a geometric multigrid technique is introduced into the implicit UGKS, where the prediction step for the equilibrium state and the evolution step for the distribution function are both treated with multigrid acceleration. The multigrid implicit UGKS (MIUGKS) is used in the non-equilibrium flow study, which includes microflow, such as lid-driven cavity flow and the flow passing through a finite-length flat plate, and high speed one, such as supersonic flow over a square cylinder. The MIUGKS shows 5 to 9 times efficiency increase over the previous implicit scheme. For the low speed microflow, the efficiency of MIUGKS is several orders of magnitude higher than the DSMC. Even for the hypersonic flow at Mach number 5 and Knudsen number 0.1, the MIUGKS is still more than 100 times faster than the DSMC method for a convergent steady state solution.

Effect of Knudsen thermal force on the performance of low-pressure micro gas sensor

Abstract: In this paper, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations were applied to investigate the mechanism of the force generation inside a low-pressure gas sensor. The flow feature and force generation mechanism inside a rectangular enclosure with heat and cold arms as the non-isothermal walls are comprehensively explained. In addition, extensive parametric studies are done to study the effects of physical parameters on the performance and characteristics of this device in different operating conditions. In this research, the Knudsen number is varied from 0.1 to 4.5 (0.5 to 11torr) to reveal all the characteristics of the thermally driven force inside the MEMS sensor. In order to simulate a rarefied gas inside the micro gas detector, Boltzmann equations are applied to obtain high-precision results. The effects of ambient pressure and temperature difference of arms are comprehensively investigated. Our findings show that maximum force increases more than 7 times when the temperature difference of the cold and hot arms is increased from 10 to 100K. In addition, the results demonstrate that the thermal gradient at rarefied pressure induces complex structure, and the mechanism of force generation highly varies at different pressure conditions.

The Maxwell-Stefan diffusion limit for a kinetic model of mixtures with general cross sections

Abstract: In this article, we derive the Maxwell-Stefan formalism from the Boltzmann equation for mixtures for general cross-sections. The derivation uses the Hilbert asymptotic method for systems at low Knudsen and Mach numbers. We also formally prove that the Maxwell-Stefan coecients can be linked to the direct linearized Boltzmann operator for mixtures. That allows to compute the values of the Maxwell-Stefan diusion coecients with explicit and simple formulae with respect to the cross-sections. We also justify the specic ansatz we use thanks to the so-called moment method.

Discrete Boltzmann Modeling of Compressible Flows

Abstract: Mathematically, the typical difference of Discrete Boltzmann Model (DBM) from the traditional hydrodynamic one is that the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are replaced by a discrete Boltzmann equation. But physically, this replacement has a significant gain: a DBM is roughly equivalent to a hydrodynamic model supplemented by a coarse-grained model of the Thermodynamic Non-Equilibrium (TNE) effects, where the hydrodynamic model can be and can also beyond the NS. Via the DBM, it is convenient to perform simulations on systems with flexible Knudsen number. The observations on TNE are being obtaining more applications with time.

Numerical study of nonequilibrium gas flow in a microchannel with a ratchet surface.

Abstract: The nonequilibrium gas flow in a two-dimensional microchannel with a ratchet surface and a moving wall is investigated numerically with a kinetic method [Guo et al., Phys. Rev. E 91, 033313 (2015)]. The presence of periodic asymmetrical ratchet structures on the bottom wall of the channel and the temperature difference between the walls of the channel result in a thermally induced flow, and hence a tangential propelling force on the wall. Such thermally induced propelling mechanism can be utilized as a model heat engine. In this article, the relations between the propelling force and the top wall moving velocity are obtained by solving the Boltzmann equation with the Shakhov model deterministically in a wide range of Knudsen numbers. The flow fields at both the static wall state and the critical state at which the thermally induced force cancels the drag force due to the active motion of the top wall are analyzed. A counterintuitive relation between the flow direction and the shear force is observed in the highly rarefied condition. The output power and thermal efficiency of the system working as a model heat engine are analyzed based on the momentum and energy transfer between the walls. The effects of Knudsen number, temperature difference, and geometric configurations are investigated. Guidance for improving the mechanical performance is discussed.

DSMC investigation of rarefied gas flow through diverging micro- and nanochannels

Abstract: Direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method with simplified Bernoulli-trials (SBT) collision scheme has been used to study the rarefied pressure-driven nitrogen flow through diverging microchannels. The fluid behaviours flowing between two plates with different divergence angles ranging between 0$^{\circ}$ to 17$^{\circ}$ are described at different pressure ratios (1.5${\le}{\prod}{\le}$2.5) and Knudsen numbers (0.03${\le}$Kn${\le}$12.7). The primary flow field properties, including pressure, velocity, and temperature, are presented for divergent microchannels and are compared with those of a microchannel with a uniform cross-section. The variations of the flow field properties in divergent microchannels, which are influenced by the area change, the channel pressure ratio and the rarefication are discussed. The results show no flow separation in divergent microchannels for all the range of simulation parameters studied in the present work. It has been found that a divergent channel can carry higher amounts of mass in comparison with an equivalent straight channel geometry. A correlation between the mass flow rate through microchannels, the divergence angle, the pressure ratio, and the Knudsen number has been suggested. The present numerical findings prove the occurrence of Knudsen minimum phenomenon in micro- and Nano- channels with non-uniform cross-sections.

Unsteady motion of a slightly rarefied gas caused by a plate oscillating in its normal direction

Abstract: Unsteady motion of a rarefied gas between two parallel plates caused when one of the plates starts a harmonic oscillation in its normal direction is investigated under a slightly rarefied condition, i.e., for small Knudsen numbers. The compressible Navier-Stokes equations are employed and their appropriate temperature jump condition is derived systematically. The equations with the correct boundary conditions are solved numerically to give the unsteady flow field. In particular, the time-periodic solution established at later times is investigated in detail and it is shown that the one-period average of the oscillating part of the momentum and that of the energy transferred from the oscillating plate to the resting one take nonzero values in contrast to the linear theory. This confirms the numerical result based on the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model of the Boltzmann equation for intermediate Knudsen numbers [T. Tsuji and K. Aoki, Microfluid. Nanofluid. 16, 1033 (2014)]. It is also shown that the gas approaches the time-periodic motion exponentially fast in time.