The statistical average time that elapses between successive collisions of a molecule or particle moving through a gas or liquid. It is inversely proportional to the collision frequency and depends on the fluid density, temperature, and particle cross-section. This metric is critical in vacuum technology, aerodynamics, and advanced fluid dynamics modeling.
At this vacuum level, the mean free time of the gas molecules is long enough that they hit the chamber walls more often than each other.
Related terms
Computational fluid dynamics
The use of numerical analysis and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluid flow.
Fluid mechanics
The study of how liquids and gases behave at rest and in motion under various forces.
CFD
Computational Fluid Dynamics, the use of software to simulate and analyze fluid flow and heat transfer.