Chapman-Enskog Expansion

The Chapman-Enskog expansion is a mathematical technique used in kinetic theory to derive equations that govern the behavior of gases. It starts from the Boltzmann equation, which describes how gas particles move and interact. By expanding the equation in terms of small parameters, it allows scientists to systematically approximate solutions for a gas under various conditions, leading to important results such as fluid dynamics equations. Essentially, it helps bridge the gap between the microscopic behavior of individual particles and the macroscopic properties of a gas, improving our understanding of phenomena like temperature, pressure, and viscosity.