by Giovanni Sanna (University of Rome, Italy) & Giuseppe Tomassetti (University of L'Aquila, Italy)

Table of Contents (72k)
Preface (49k)
Chapter 2: The Non-Equilibrium Equations and the Relaxation of the Internal Degrees of Freedom (316k)

Introduction to Molecular Beams Gas Dynamics is devoted to the theory and phenomenology of supersonic molecular beams. The book describes the main physical idea and mathematical methods of the gas dynamics of molecular beams, while the detailed derivation of results and equations is accompanied by an explanation of their physical meaning.

The phenomenology of supersonic beams can appear complex to those not experienced in supersonic gas dynamics and the few existing reviews on the topic generally presume specific knowledge of the subject. The book begins with a quantitative description of the fundamental laws of gas dynamics and goes on to explain such phenomena. It analyzes the evolution of the gas jet from the continuum to the regime of almost free collisions between molecules, and includes numerous figures, illustrations, tables and references.

• Gas Properties
• The Non-Equilibrium Equations and the Relaxation of the Internal Degrees of Freedom
• The Fundamental Equations of Gas Dynamics
• Isoentropic Flow. Characteristic Lines
• The Method of Characteristics
• The Shock Waves
• The Flow in Nozzles and Jets
• The Supersonic Free Jet
• Application of the Boltzmann Equation to a Jet of Monoatomic Gas
• Characterization of a Particle Source and Extraction of the Molecular Beam
• The Condensation in a Supersonic Free Jet
• Some Different Topics