Gas-dynamic colliders: Numerical simulations

A collision of supersonic flows of gas mixtures with disparate molecular weights, which are limited in their cross-sectional size, in vacuum leads to formation of a cloud with an elevated concentration and elevated temperature of the heavy gas. Under certain conditions, the governing factor is the collision of molecules of the heavy gas being compressed at the center of the collision of the flows. The generator of such a flow can be called a collider. Results of studying the flows in jet-type, cylindrical, and mixed two-stage colliders are described. The main attention is paid to separation of gases in terms of energy and composition.