A topology optimization method for rarefied gas flows

Abstract

We construct a topology optimization method for two dimensional rarefied gas flow problems, based on level-set boundary expressions. The degree of rarefaction is expressed by the Knudsen number, which is the ratio of the mean free path and the characteristic length of the system. As the Knudsen number approaches 0 in the limit, flow behaviors can be described by Navier-Stokes equations and topology optimization methods for such flows have already been proposed. On the other hand, the governing equation for flows which have a large rarefaction is the Boltzmann equation and topology optimization methods for such flows have not been seen. This paper presents the topology optimization method for rarefied gas flows whose Knudsen number is approximately 1, aiming at an application for the design of flow channels in micromachines. We use the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) model of the Boltzmann equation and extend it to the entire design domain that includes both rarefied gas and solid domains. First, we briefly discuss the Boltzmann equation and the level set-based topology optimization method. Second, an optimization problem is formulated to address the design of flow channels that aim to maximize the flow velocity induced along a temperature gradient. Finally, several numerical examples demonstrate the validity and usefulness of the proposed method.