An Improved-Accuracy DSMC Algorithm

Abstract

The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is widely considered to be both an accurate and general method for simulating non‐continuum gas flows and a computationally intense method because of its molecular nature. Recently, the originator of the method proposed a new variant of DSMC, termed “sophisticated DSMC.” This new DSMC algorithm aims at improving the computational efficiency of DSMC without losing the accuracy of the original algorithm. In this paper the accuracy and convergence of the new DSMC method are investigated for one‐dimensional combined Couette‐Fourier flow. The primary convergence metrics studied, in harmony with previous work, are the ratios of the DSMC‐calculated thermal conductivity and viscosity to their corresponding infinite‐approximation Chapman‐Enskog theoretical values. As discretization errors are reduced, the sophisticated DSMC values are shown to approach the theoretical values to high precision. The convergence behavior of sophisticated DSMC is compared to that of stan...