Acoustic limit for the Boltzmann equation in optimal scaling

Based on a recent L 2 − L ∞ framework, we establish the acoustic limit of the Boltzmann equation for general collision kernels. The scaling of the fluctuations with respect to the Knudsen number is optimal. Our approach is based on a new analysis of the compressible Euler limit of the Boltzmann equation, as well as refined estimates of Euler and acoustic solutions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.