Accession Number:

AD0607631

Title:

THE EXPANSION OF RAREFIED GAS INTO A VACUUM

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

TRW SPACE TECHNOLOGY LABS LOS ANGELES CA

Personal Author(s):

• Molmud, P.

Report Date:

1958-11-28

Pagination or Media Count:

26.0

Abstract:

The expansion of an initially uniform gas sphere into a vacuum is described. The analysis proceeds on the basis of free molecular flow. It is demonstrated that collisions will not seriously modify the expansion process as long as the initial mean free path of a molecule within the sphere is much greater than the initial diameter of the sphere. Expressions are derived for the momentum and energy flow associated with the expansion of such a sphere. The expansion of a gas which fills half space and also of a gas initially of the form of a uniform cylinder are described. The interaction of an expanding gas cloud with a specularly reflecting surface is determined. The interaction of an expanding gas cloud with a diffusely reflecting surface is considered.

Descriptors:

• *VACUUM
• *EXPANSION
• *GAS FLOW
• LOW PRESSURE
• ENERGY TRANSFER
• REFLECTORS
• EXHAUST GASES
• RAREFIED GASES
• MEAN FREE PATH
• FLUID MECHANICS
• EQUATIONS OF STATE
• MOLECULAR PROPERTIES
• SPHERES
• GASES

Subject Categories:

• Thermodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE