The microscopic dynamics of nonequilibrium gas flows in the transition regime (Knudsen number ∼1) is studied using novel molecular-dynamic (MD) simulations. The Knudsen number dependence of the shear viscosity, temperature jump, slip length, and the entropy production is investigated. It is shown that the assumption of local equilibrium breaks down in supersonic flows. A good agreement of the MD simulation results with available experiments and other theoretical studies is found.

• Received 13 July 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.43.761