How Does Continuum Flow Differ from Other Flow Regimes?
Continuum flow is contrasted with Knudsen flow and transition flow. In Knudsen flow, the mean free path of the gas molecules is comparable to the pore size, making molecular collisions with the pore walls more significant than intermolecular collisions. In transition flow, characteristics of both Knudsen and continuum flows are present. Continuum flow is generally described by the Navier-Stokes equations, while Knudsen flow requires a different approach, often using the Knudsen number.
