Gas flow simulation in a micro nozzle

Purpose - To study the flow character in a micro nozzle. Design/methodology/approach - The flow in the micro nozzle is simulated using the Direct Simulation Monte-Carlo (DSMC) method. Considering characteristics of high-temperature gas flow, the Cercignani-Lampis-Lord (CLL) gas-surface interaction model is adopted in the simulation of high-temperature gas flow in the Laval nozzle at different inlet pressures and temperatures. Findings - The results showed that as the temperatures of inlet flow increased, the thrust efficiency will increased accordingly, however, the influence of inlet pressure variety on the nozzle performance is insignificant. Originality/value - A useful reference to the design and performance improvement of micro thruster and MEMS power system.