Characterization of Continuum Gas Flow in a High-Pressure Micro-Reactor Assembly
Understanding catalytic processes at the atomic scale under realistic conditions is a key challenge in surface science. In particular, the study of single-atom catalysis at near-ambient pressures requires specialized experimental setups, such as high-pressure micro-reactor cells integrated into ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. This thesis develops an analytical framework to describe gas flow behavior within such a micro-reactor, focusing on the continuum flow regime. Critical state variables and flow velocities at relevant locations are estimated to provide a reliable macroscopic flow description. While effects such as leakage and outlet flow remain to be quantified in detail and should incorporate advanced numerical simulations and experimental validation to improve the model accuracy and applicability. The presented approach lays the groundwork for future microscopic flow studies.