FSG3131 Kinetic Gas Theory 7.0 credits

 After completing this course the student should be able to:

•  Give the kinetic theory definitions of the macroscopic continuum properties/variables of a gas.
• State the requirements on a fluid flow for the continuum assumption to be a reasonable approximation.
• Describe the concepts of cross-section and mean free path in a gas and derive an expression for the mean free path.
• Use the mean free path concept to derive an approximate expression for viscosity and heat conductivity in a gas in terms of kinetic variables.
• State the Boltzmann equation and, make an interpretation of the different terms involved.
• State the Maxwellian distribution and when it is valid.
• Give examples of some typical kinetic effects not described by the Navier-Stokes equations.
• Give the main principles of a Direct Simulation Monte-Carlo Simulation (DSMC).
• Describe in broad outline the Chapman-Enskog method to derive the Navier-Stokes equations from the Boltzmann equation at small Knudsen numbers, in particular how viscosity and heat conductivity can be found from the molecular interactions.

The student will be able to describe the connection between the continuum mechanical Navier-Stokes equations for a gas and the kinetic theory description of a gas in thermal non-equilibrium. Also, the student will be able to describe some effects typical to gases at Knudsen numbers of order one or larger, a limit not covered by the Navier-Stokes equations.

Admitted to PhD-program

An advanced course in fluid mechanics on undergraduate level is recommended. 

Course literature

Gombosi, T.I.

Gaskinetic Theory, Cambridge University Press, 1994

Dahlkild, A.A. and Söderholm, L.H.

Lecture notes in kinetic gas theory, 2011

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• INL1 - Assignment, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Project work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Oral exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

INL1 Assignment1,0 hp (P, F)

PRO1 Project work 3,0 ho (P, F)

TEN1 Oral exam 3,0 hp P, F

Lists of typical questions at examination are available for the oral exam.

The following items have to be approved in order to obtain a pass on the course:

• Project work and 4-page report on a DSMC-simulation
• Oral examination on kinetic theory of gases

Jens Fransson

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.