Advances in Direct Simulation Monte Carlo: From Micro-Scale to Rarefied Flow Phenomena

This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth presentation of recent advancements in the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, focusing on modern collision algorithms that maintain accuracy even with low particle-per-cell. Drawing from theoretical insights and computational innovations, it bridges fundamental kinetic theory with practical simulation techniques for rarefied gas flows.Structured across ten chapters, the book begins with a discussion of micro- and nanoscale fluid flows, where non-equilibrium effects and rarefaction become dominant. It explores key phenomena in MEMS/NEMS devices, such as velocity slip, temperature jump, Knudsen minimum, and thermal polarization—essential for understanding transport in confined geometries.A strong emphasis is placed on advanced DSMC collision schemes, including the BT-family of algorithms (e.g., SBT, ISBT, GBT, SSBT, and SGBT), as well as emerging hybrid approaches such as DSMC-Fokker-Planck and Low-Variance DSMC. Applications span from pressure-driven microchannel flows, thermally induced rarefied flows, and Couette/cavity configurations, to supersonic wedge flows and nonlinear instability phenomena like Rayleigh–Bénard convection in rarefied gases.Special attention is given to semi-analytical aerodynamic models in free-molecular regimes, making the book particularly valuable for those working in aerospace applications at high altitudes or in low-density environments.With contributions from leading experts, this expanded volume serves as both a reference and a teaching guide for researchers and students in rarefied gas dynamics, microfluidics, and high-fidelity particle-based simulation methods.