Analysis of rarefied gas flow through an arbitrary cross section by the finite element method
Rarefied gas flow through an arbitrary cross section is analyzed by the finite element method. In this study, the collision model of Bhatnoger, Gross and Krook is invoked. A finite element analogue of Boltzman's equation is derived by application of the methods of weighted residuals. The distribution function is represented by a combination of Hermite polynomials and so-called isoparametric interpolation functions. Numerical integrations using Gaussian quadrature simplify the procedure of obtaining finite element equations. By solving these equations, the mean flow velocity and volume flow rate of each discretized element are calculated and the total volume flow rate of the entire cross section is determined by summing the local flow rates of all elements. In order to verify the accuracy of this method, a simple geometry, namely a square section is treated and results compared with known solutions.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Alabama, Huntsville
- OSTI ID:
- 6259413
- Journal Information:
- Dev. Mech.; (United States), Vol. 7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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