Grad’s moment method is applied to derive the system of fully nonlinear 14-moment equations for dilute granular gases. The derived system of 14-moment equations is solved analytically in a quasilinear setting to obtain the homogeneous cooling state solution, and it is shown that the nonlinear terms of scalar fourth moment have practically no effect on Haff’s law. The linear stability of the homogeneous cooling state is analyzed through the 14-moment system by decomposing it into two independent longitudinal and transverse problems. The eigenmodes for the longitudinal system are compared with those obtained by an existing theory by Kremer and Marques [12].

PACS Nos 47.57.Gc; 51.10.+y; 47.45.Ab