Validation of a Second-Order Slip Model for Transition-Regime, Gaseous Flows

We discuss and validate a recently proposed second-order slip model for dilute gas flows. Our discussion focuses on the importance of quantitatively accounting for the effect of Knudsen layers close to the walls. This is important, not only for obtaining an accurate slip model but also for interpreting the results of the latter since in transition-regime flows the Knudsen layers penetrate large parts of the flow. Our extensive validation illustrates the above points by comparing direct Monte Carlo solutions to the slip model predictions for an unsteady flow. Excellent agreement is found between simulation and the slip model predictions up to Kn = 0.4, for both the velocity profile and stress at the wall. This demonstrates that the proposed second-order slip model reliably describes arbitrary flowfields (and related stress fields) in a predictive manner at least up to Kn = 0.4 for both steady and transient problems.