Piecewise continuous distribution function method in the theory of wave disturbances of inhomogeneous gas

The system of hydrodynamic-type equations for a stratified gas in gravity field is derived from BGK equation by method of piecewise continuous distribution function. The obtained system of the equations generalizes the Navier-Stokes one at arbitrary Knudsen numbers. The problem of a wave disturbance propagation in a rarefied gas is explored. The verification of the model is made for a limiting case of a homogeneous medium. The phase velocity and attenuation coefficient values are in an agreement with former fluid mechanics theories; the attenuation behavior reproduces experiment and kinetics-based results at more wide range of the Knudsen numbers.