Numerical simulation of molecular motion around laser microengine blades

Gas molecular motions around a laser opto-microengine are numerically simulated by direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. We propose an opto-microengine that acts as a micro-actuator in which optical energy is supplied by a laser beam. The opto-microengine is rotated by molecular gas dynamics effects. The effects of the molecular weights of gases on laser opto-microengine performance are revealed by experiments. Helium, argon and xenon gases are used as environmental gases for operation of the opto-microengine. The numerical results show that pressure differences between front and back surfaces of the rotor blade depend on the molecular weights of the gases and accommodation coefficients. (C) 2001 IMACS. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.