Application of the moment equations to the shock-tube problem

Moment equations derived from the Boltzmann equation were applyed to the Riemann problem. A new closure method of the moment equations were proposed. It was demonstrated that supplemeted moment equations were applicable to the analysis of moderately strong shock waves. Various higher order moments of the distribution function in the shook wave were obtained. Present result suggested that these higher order moments would not be simply expressed in termes of higher order derivatives of velocity, temperature, and pressure. If we include more higher moment equations present results may be considerablly improved. Present method is expected for the analysis of nonequilibrium rarefied flow connecting with higher order moments demonstrated in this paper.