Equilibrium and Transport Properties of the Noble Gases and Their Mixtures at Low Density

TLDR

The study is grounded in a rigorous theoretical framework that guarantees thermodynamic consistency among noble gas properties. The authors present straightforward expressions for calculating thermodynamic and transport properties of the five noble gases and their 26 binary/multicomponent mixtures. These expressions cover the second virial coefficient, viscosity, thermal conductivity, self‑diffusion, binary diffusion, and thermal diffusion factor at low densities, across all compositions and temperatures from absolute zero to ionization onset, with uncertainties estimated from critically evaluated measurements. The resulting properties are comparable to the best measurements currently available.

Abstract

The report contains a set of easy-to-program expressions for the calculation of the thermodynamic and transport properties of the five noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) and of the 26 binary and multicomponent mixtures that can be formed with them. The properties in question are second virial coefficient B, viscosity η, thermal conductivity λ, self-diffusion and binary diffusion coefficient D, and thermal diffusion factor αT. The calculation of properties is restricted to low densities ( ρ≪B/C) but covers the full range of compositions and a temperature interval extending from absolute zero to the onset of ionization. Owing to the careful theoretical basis on which the algorithm has been erected, all properties are thermodynamically consistent with each other. Reference to a selected set of critically evaluated measurements provides a basis for the estimation of uncertainties. The report contains 54 abbreviated tables of numerical data and 86 deviation plots. It is asserted that the results are comparable to the best measurements that could be performed at present.