Kinetic Theory of Plasmas: Translational Energy

In the present contribution, we derive from kinetic theory a unified fluid model for multicomponent plasmas by accounting for the electromagnetic field influence. We deal with a possible thermal nonequilibrium of the translational energy of the particles, neglecting their internal energy and the reactive collisions. Given the strong disparity of mass between the electrons and heavy particles, such as molecules, atoms, and ions, we conduct a dimensional analysis of the Boltzmann equation. We then generalize the Chapman-Enskog method, emphasizing the role of a multiscale perturbation parameter on the collisional operator, the streaming operator, and the collisional invariants of the Boltzmann equation. The system is examined at successive orders of approximation, each of which corresponding to a physical time scale. The multicomponent Navier-Stokes regime is reached for the heavy particles, which follow a hyperbolic scaling, and is coupled to first order drift-diffusion equations for the electrons, which follow a parabolic scaling. The transport coefficients exhibit an anisotropic behavior when the magnetic field is strong enough. We also give a complete description of the Kolesnikov effect, i.e., the crossed contributions to the mass and energy transport fluxes coupling the electrons and heavy particles. Finally, the first and second principles of thermodynamics are proved to be satisfied by deriving a total energy equation and an entropy equation. Moreover, the system of equations is shown to be conservative and the purely convective system hyperbolic, thus leading to a well-defined structure

Overview of the coordinated ground-based observations of Titan during the Huygens mission

Coordinated ground-based observations of Titan were performed around or during the Huygens atmospheric probe mission at Titan on 14 January 2005, connecting the momentary in situ observations by the probe with the synoptic coverage provided by continuing ground-based programs. These observations consisted of three different categories: (1) radio telescope tracking of the Huygens signal at 2040 MHz, (2) observations of the atmosphere and surface of Titan, and (3) attempts to observe radiation emitted during the Huygens Probe entry into Titan's atmosphere. The Probe radio signal was successfully acquired by a network of terrestrial telescopes, recovering a vertical profile of wind speed in Titan's atmosphere from 140 km altitude down to the surface. Ground-based observations brought new information on atmosphere and surface properties of the largest Satumian moon. No positive detection of phenomena associated with the Probe entry was reported. This paper reviews all these measurements and highlights the achieved results. The ground-based observations, both radio and optical, are of fundamental imnortance for the interpretatinn of results from the Huygens mission

A Spectral-Lagrangian Boltzmann Solver for a Multi-Energy Level Gas

In this paper a spectral-Lagrangian method for the Boltzmann equation for a multi-energy level gas is proposed. Internal energy levels are treated as separate species and inelastic collisions (leading to internal energy excitation and relaxation) are accounted for. The formulation developed can also be used for the case of a mixture of monatomic gases without internal energy (where only elastic collisions occur). The advantage of the spectral-Lagrangian method lies in the generality of the algorithm in use for the evaluation of the elastic and inelastic collision operators. The computational procedure is based on the Fourier transform of the partial elastic and inelastic collision operators and exploits the fact that these can be written as weighted convolutions in Fourier space with no restriction on the crosssection model. The conservation of mass, momentum and energy during collisions is enforced through the solution of constrained optimization problems. Numerical solutions are obtained for both space homogeneous and space inhomogeneous problems. Computational results are compared with those obtained by means of the DSMC method in order to assess the accuracy of the proposed spectral-Lagrangian method

Reduction of State-to-State to Macroscopic Models for Hypersonics

International audienceFour different types of macroscopic models developed for the vibration-chemistry coupling in nonequilibrium flows for re-entry applications are presented. First, using an approach based on nonequilibrium thermodynamics, global rate coefficients of dissociation of N2 and O2 under parent molecular or atomic impact and backward molecular recombination are determined. Then a Two-Level Distribution (TLD) model is developed, in which a relaxation equation for vibrational temperature is solved as in the case of multi-temperature models but with the simultaneous solution of a kinetic equation, as in the case of state-to-state models, but only for the last vibrational level. In a third approach, a multi-internal temperature model is presented to describe accurately the vibrational distribution function in using several groups of levels, within which the levels are assumed to follow a Boltzmann distribution at an internal temperature of the group. This multi-internal temperature model allows us to describe accurately the vibrational energy relaxation and dissociation processes behind a strong shock wave. Finally, a rovibrational collisional coarse-grain model is developed to reduce a detailed rovibrational mechanism for the internal energy excitation and dissociation processes behind a strong shock wave in a nitrogen flow

Nonviral gene delivery: What we know and what is next

Gene delivery using nonviral approaches has been extensively studied as a basic tool for intracellular gene transfer and gene therapy. In the past, the primary focus has been on application of physical, chemical, and biological principles to development of a safe and efficient method that delivers a transgene into target cells for appropriate expression. This review summarizes the current status of the most commonly used nonviral methods, with an emphasis on their mechanism of action for gene delivery, and their advantages and limitations for gene therapy applications. The technical aspects of each delivery system are also reviewed, with a focus on how to achieve optimal delivery efficiency. A brief discussion of future development and further improvement of the current systems is intended to stimulate new ideas and encourage rapid advancement in this new and promising field