Temperature inhomogeneities simulated with multiparticle-collision dynamics

The mesoscopic simulation technique known as multiparticle collision dynamics is presented as a very appropriate method to simulate complex systems in the presence of temperature inhomogeneities. Three different methods to impose the temperature gradient are compared and characterized in the parameter landscape. Two methods include the interaction of the system with confining walls. The third method considers open boundary conditions by imposing energy fluxes. The transport of energy characterizing the thermal diffusivity is also investigated. The dependence of this transport coefficient on the method parameters and the accuracy of existing analytical theories is discussed. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3687168]