Molecular Kinetics and Physical Gas Dynamics

AbstractDetailed analyses of non‐equilibrium effects in hypersonic high‐temperature and high‐altitude phenomena require a clear understanding of the concepts and methods of the kinetic theory of gases. In this chapter, the Boltzmann equation and its extensions to polyatomic gases and mixtures are presented. The most prominent analytical, numerical, and physical methods for the solution of the Boltzmann equation are outlined. It is shown that the Navier–Stokes equations of fluid mechanics can be derived from the Boltzmann equation in the limit of near‐continuum, near‐equilibrium conditions.