Multiple scattering in random mechanical systems and diffusion approximation (Q382279): Difference between revisions

The paper addresses emergent random processes (diffusion limits) that model multiple scattering events in classical dynamical systems of billiard type. Examples considered are: (i) weak scattering between two parallel plates, (ii) scattering on a rough surface. The convergence of associated random map operators to a second-order elliptic differential operator on compactly supported functions is analyzed. It is shown that the associated Markov chain process converges to a diffusion and its generator is derived. Stationary measures are identified as Maxwell-Boltzmann and Knudsen cosine distributions. The approximating diffusion processes are specified as the Maxwell-Boltzmann (post-collision) diffusion and generalized Legendre diffusion. Numerical simulations are implemented to give a visual picture of dynamical phenomena at hand.