Direct Simulation Monte Carlo for Atmospheric Entry. 1. Theoretical Basis and Physical Models

Abstract

The direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC) has evolved over 40 years into a powerful numerical technique for the computation of complex, nonequilibrium gas flows. In this context, nonequilibrium means that the velocity distribution function is not in an equilibrium form due to a low number of intermolecular collisions within a fluid element. In atmospheric entry, nonequilibrium conditions occur at high altitude and in regions of flow fields with small length scales. In this first article of two parts, the theoretical basis of the DSMC technique is discussed. In addition, the methods used in DSMC are described for simulation of high temperature, real gas effects and gas-surface interactions. The current status of the various models is reviewed and areas where further work is required are identified.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA568174

Entities

People

  • Iain D. Boyd

Organizations

  • University of Michigan

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boltzmann Equation
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Computational Science
  • Databases
  • Distribution Functions
  • Energy Transfer
  • Equations
  • Flow Fields
  • Fluid Flow
  • Gas Flow
  • Gas Surface Interactions
  • Heat Transfer
  • Knudsen Number
  • Laser Induced Fluorescence
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Vibrational Relaxation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation