On the initial layer solution of the Boltzmann equation with small Knudsen number (Q1094264)

We extend our method [see the review above (Zbl 0629.76086)] of systematic removal of secular terms in a singular perturbation treatment of the Boltzmann equation with small Knudsen numbers to the initial layer. The requirement that the solution through the initial layer should connect smoothly to the normal solution removes an ambiguity noted in our previous paper. We show that removal of secular terms improves Grad's solution for the initial layer and reintroduces soundlike modes associated with higher moments, first found by Wang Chang and Uhlenbeck.