Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Micro Gas Flows Over a Wide Range of Knudsen Numbers

Abstract

To characterize the microflow over a larger range of Knudsen numbers, an improved kinetic equation considering the volume diffusion effect for nonideal gases was presented based on Klimontovich's kinetic equation and Enskog equation-based lattice Boltzmann Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (LBGK) model. Then, with the modified effective viscosity and the second-order slip boundary condition, a series of numerical simulations of gas flows with different mean Knudsen numbers were carried out based on the proposed model. Compared with the solutions of Navier–Stokes equations, Navier–Stokes equations with different slip boundary conditions, bivelocity hydrodynetics, and experimental data, we found that the present model can be valid up to a Knudsen number of 30. It is also shown that the present model furnishes a better solution in the transitional flow regime (0.1 < Kn < 10). The results not only illustrate that the present model could offer a satisfactory solution to a wider range of mean Knudsen number, but also show the importance of the compressibility and surface-dominated effects in micro gas flows. The improved model provides a promising tool for handling the micro gas flows with complex geometries and boundaries.