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Consistent kinetic modeling of compressible flows with variable Prandtl numbers: Double-distribution quasiequilibrium approach

R. M. Strässle*, S. A. Hosseini†, and I. V. Karlin‡

  • Computational Kinetics Group, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland

  • *Contact author: rubenst@ethz.ch
  • †Contact author: shosseini@ethz.ch
  • ‡Contact author: ikarlin@ethz.ch
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Phys. Rev. E 113, 035310 – Published 27 March, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/jgwb-6493

Abstract

A consistent kinetic modeling and discretization strategy for compressible flows across all Prandtl numbers and specific heat ratios is developed using the quasiequilibrium approach within two of the most widely used double-distribution frameworks. The methodology ensures accurate recovery of the Navier-Stokes-Fourier equations, including all macroscopic moments and dissipation rates, through detailed hydrodynamic limit analysis and careful construction of equilibrium and quasiequilibrium attractors. Discretization is performed using high-order velocity lattices with a static reference frame in a discrete velocity Boltzmann context to isolate key modeling aspects such as the necessary requirements on expansion and quadrature orders. The proposed models demonstrate high accuracy, numerical stability, and Galilean invariance across a wide range of Mach numbers and temperature ratios. Separate tests for strict conservation and measurements of all dissipation rates confirm these insights for all Prandtl numbers and specific heat ratios. Simulations of a thermal Couette flow and a sensitive two-dimensional shock-vortex interaction excellently reproduce viscous Navier-Stokes-Fourier-level physics. The proposed models establish an accurate, efficient, and scalable framework for kinetic simulations of compressible flows with moderate supersonic speeds and discontinuities at arbitrary Prandtl numbers and specific heat ratios, offering a valuable tool for studying complex problems in fluid dynamics and paving the way for future extensions to the lattice Boltzmann context, by application of correction terms, as well as high-Mach and hypersonic regimes, employing target-designed reference frames.

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Phys. Rev. E 113, 035310– Published 27 March, 2026
  • Received 2 October 2025
  • Accepted 4 March 2026
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.

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