Perturbation analysis of a stationary nonequilibrium flow generated by an external force

Abstract

The stationary flow of a gas in a slab under the action of a constant external force parallel to the walls is analyzed in the context of the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model kinetic equation. The force produces spatial gradients along the coordinate normal to the walls. By performing a perturbation expansion in powers of the force, we obtain the hydrodynamic fields up to fifth order in the force. Then the velocity distribution function and all its moments are evaluated to third order. The expansion coefficients are polynomials in the space variable of a degree increasing linearly with the expansion order. Although the series expansion is only asymptotic, it shows how the state of the system is modified by a variation of the external force beyond the linear regime.