Kinetic modelling of the quantum gases in the normal phase

Abstract

Using the maximum entropy principle, a kinetic model equation is proposed to simplify the intricate collision term in the semi-classical Boltzmann equation for dilute quantum gases in the normal phase. The kinetic model equation keeps the main properties of the Boltzmann equation, including conservation of mass, momentum and energy, the entropy dissipation property, and rotational invariance. It also produces the correct Prandtl numbers for the Fermi gases. To validate the proposed model, the kinetic model equation is numerically solved in the hydrodynamic and kinetic flow regimes using the asymptotic preserving scheme. The results agree well with those of the quantum Euler and Boltzmann equations. © 2012 The Royal Society.