The effect of the pattern of gas/surface interaction on the relation for Knudsen layer under conditions of strong subsonic condensation

The moments method is used within the model of diffuse reflection to investigate the effect of the temperature accommodation coefficient α_T on the flow behind the Knudsen layer under conditions of strong subsonic condensation. An explicit expression is obtained for dimensionless pressure as a function of temperature and Mach number M, as well as of the coefficients of evaporation, condensation, and temperature accommodation. It is demonstrated that the difference of α_T from unity may have a significant effect on the flow parameters and, in particular, on the value of Mach number that is the maximal value attainable under conditions of subsonic condensation. It is further demonstrated that this effect increases in the case of mirror reflection of molecules from the surface. The adiabatic exponent is investigated as well.