Shock-Like Dynamics of Inelastic Gases,
E. Ben-Naim, S.Y. Chen, G.D. Doolen, and S. Redner
We provide a simple physical picture which suggests that the
asymptotic dynamics of inelastic gases in one dimension is
independent of the degree of inelasticity. Statistical
characteristics, including velocity fluctuations and the
velocity distribution are identical to those of a perfectly
inelastic sticky gas, which in turn is described by the inviscid
Burgers equation. Asymptotic predictions of this continuum theory,
including the t^-2/3 temperature decay and the development of
discontinuities in the velocity profile, are verified numerically
for inelastic gases.
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