DIRECT SIMULATION MONTE CARLO: Recent Advances and Applications

TLDR

Limitations of current computer technology for DSMC in low‑speed, high‑Knudsen‑number flows are identified as future challenges. The study outlines the principles and procedures for implementing direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC). The authors describe DSMC implementation principles, provide guidelines for inherent and external errors, and apply the method to rarefied atmospheric flows, thin‑film growth, and microsystems. Advances highlighted include Lagrangian DSMC, parallel‑computer optimization, and hybrid algorithms for mixed‑flow regime computations.

Abstract

▪ Abstract The principles of and procedures for implementing direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) are described. Guidelines to inherent and external errors common in DSMC applications are provided. Three applications of DSMC to transitional and nonequilibrium flows are considered: rarefied atmospheric flows, growth of thin films, and microsystems. Selected new, potentially important advances in DSMC capabilities are described: Lagrangian DSMC, optimization on parallel computers, and hybrid algorithms for computations in mixed flow regimes. Finally, the limitations of current computer technology for using DSMC to compute low-speed, high–Knudsen-number flows are outlined as future challenges.