Macroscopic finite-difference scheme based on the mesoscopic regularized lattice-Boltzmann method.

In this paper, we develop a macroscopic finite-difference scheme from the mesoscopic regularized lattice Boltzmann (RLB) method to solve the Navier-Stokes equations (NSEs) and convection-diffusion equation (CDE). Unlike the commonly used RLB method based on the evolution of a set of distribution functions, this macroscopic finite-difference scheme is constructed based on the hydrodynamic variables of NSEs (density, momentum, and strain rate tensor) or macroscopic variables of CDE (concentration and flux), and thus shares low memory requirement and high computational efficiency. Based on an accuracy analysis, it is shown that, the same as the mesoscopic RLB method, the macroscopic finite-difference scheme also has a second-order accuracy in space. In addition, we would like to point out that compared with the RLB method and its equivalent macroscopic numerical scheme, the present macroscopic finite-difference scheme is much simpler and more efficient since it is only a two-level system with macroscopic variables. Finally, we perform some simulations of several benchmark problems, and find that the numerical results are not only in agreement with analytical solutions, but also consistent with the theoretical analysis.

Rectangular multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method for the Navier-Stokes and nonlinear convection-diffusion equations: General equilibrium and some important issues.

In this paper, we develop a general rectangular multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (RMRT-LB) method for the Navier-Stokes equations (NSEs) and nonlinear convection-diffusion equation (NCDE) by extending our recent unified framework of the multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (MRT-LB) method [Chai and Shi, Phys. Rev. E 102, 023306 (2020)10.1103/PhysRevE.102.023306], where an equilibrium distribution function (EDF) [Lu et al., Philos. Trans. R. Soc. A 369, 2311 (2011)10.1098/rsta.2011.0022] on a rectangular lattice is utilized. The anisotropy of the lattice tensor on a rectangular lattice leads to anisotropy of the third-order moment of the EDF, which is inconsistent with the isotropy of the viscous stress tensor of the NSEs. To eliminate this inconsistency, we extend the relaxation matrix related to the dynamic and bulk viscosities. As a result, the macroscopic NSEs can be recovered from the RMRT-LB method through the direct Taylor expansion method. Whereas the rectangular lattice does not lead to the change of the zero-, first- and second-order moments of the EDF, the unified framework of the MRT-LB method can be directly applied to the NCDE. It should be noted that the RMRT-LB model for NSEs can be derived on the rDdQq (q discrete velocities in d-dimensional space, d≥1) lattice, including rD2Q9, rD3Q19, and rD3Q27 lattices, while there are no rectangular D3Q13 and D3Q15 lattices within this framework of the RMRT-LB method. Thanks to the block-lower triangular relaxation matrix introduced in the unified framework, the RMRT-LB versions (if existing) of the previous MRT-LB models can be obtained, including those based on raw (natural) moment, central moment, Hermite moment, and central Hermite moment. It is also found that when the parameter c_{s} is an adjustable parameter in the standard or rectangular lattice, the present RMRT-LB method becomes a kind of MRT-LB method for the NSEs and NCDE, and the commonly used MRT-LB models on the DdQq lattice are only its special cases. We also perform some numerical simulations, and the results show that the present RMRT-LB method can give accurate results and also have a good numerical stability.

Fourth-order multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model and equivalent finite-difference scheme for one-dimensional convection-diffusion equations.

In this paper, we first develop a fourth-order multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (MRT-LB) model for the one-dimensional convection-diffusion equation (CDE) with the constant velocity and diffusion coefficient, where the D1Q3 (three discrete velocities in one-dimensional space) lattice structure is used. We also perform the Chapman-Enskog analysis to recover the CDE from the MRT-LB model. Then an explicit four-level finite-difference (FLFD) scheme is derived from the developed MRT-LB model for the CDE. Through the Taylor expansion, the truncation error of the FLFD scheme is obtained, and at the diffusive scaling, the FLFD scheme can achieve the fourth-order accuracy in space. After that, we present a stability analysis and derive the same stability condition for the MRT-LB model and FLFD scheme. Finally, we perform some numerical experiments to test the MRT-LB model and FLFD scheme, and the numerical results show that they have a fourth-order convergence rate in space, which is consistent with our theoretical analysis.

Improved hybrid Allen-Cahn phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method for incompressible two-phase flows.

In this work we develop an improved phase-field based lattice Boltzmann (LB) method where a hybrid Allen-Cahn equation (ACE) with a flexible weight instead of a global weight is used to suppress the numerical dispersion and eliminate the coarsening phenomenon. Then two LB models are adopted to solve the hybrid ACE and the Navier-Stokes equations, respectively. Through the Chapman-Enskog analysis, the present LB model can correctly recover the hybrid ACE, and the macroscopic order parameter used to label different phases can be calculated explicitly. Finally, the present LB method is validated by five tests, including the diagonal translation of a circular interface, two stationary bubbles with different radii, a bubble rising under the gravity, the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases, and the three-dimensional Plateau-Rayleigh instability. The numerical results show that the present LB method has a superior performance in reducing the numerical dispersion and the coarsening phenomenon.

Multiple-distribution-function lattice Boltzmann method for convection-diffusion-system-based incompressible Navier-Stokes equations.

In this paper, a multiple-distribution-function lattice Boltzmann method (MDF-LBM) with a multiple-relaxation-time model is proposed for incompressible Navier-Stokes equations which are considered as coupled convection-diffusion equations. Through direct Taylor expansion analysis, we show that the Navier-Stokes equations can be recovered correctly from the present MDF-LBM, and additionally, it is also found that the velocity and pressure can be directly computed through the zero and first-order moments of the distribution function. Then in the framework of the present MDF-LBM, we develop a locally computational scheme for the velocity gradient in which the first-order moment of the nonequilibrium distribution is used; this scheme is also extended to calculate the velocity divergence, strain rate tensor, shear stress, and vorticity. Finally, we also conduct some simulations to test the MDF-LBM and find that the numerical results not only agree with some available analytical and numerical solutions but also have a second-order convergence rate in space.

Consistent and conservative phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method for incompressible two-phase flows.

In this work, we consider a general consistent and conservative phase-field model for the incompressible two-phase flows. In this model, not only the Cahn-Hilliard or Allen-Cahn equation can be adopted, but also the mass and the momentum fluxes in the Navier-Stokes equations are reformulated such that the consistency of reduction, consistency of mass and momentum transport, and the consistency of mass conservation are satisfied. We further develop a lattice Boltzmann (LB) method, and show that through the direct Taylor expansion, the present LB method can correctly recover the consistent and conservative phase-field model. Additionally, if the divergence of the extra momentum flux is seen as a force term, the extra force in the present LB method would include another term which has not been considered in the previous LB methods. To quantitatively evaluate the incompressibility and the consistency of the mass conservation, two statistical variables are introduced in the study of the deformation of a square droplet, and the results show that the present LB method is more accurate. The layered Poiseuille flow and a droplet spreading on an ideal wall are further investigated, and the numerical results are in good agreement with the analytical solutions. Finally, the problems of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability, a single rising bubble, and the dam break with the high Reynolds numbers and/or large density ratios are studied, and it is found that the present consistent and conservative LB method is robust for such complex two-phase flows.

Diffuse-interface lattice Boltzmann modeling of charged particle transport in Poiseuille flow.

In this paper, we developed a coupled diffuse-interface lattice Boltzmann method (DI-LBM) to study the transport of a charged particle in the Poiseuille flow, which is governed by the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid field and the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for electric potential field. We first validated the present DI-LBM through some classical benchmark problems, and then investigated the effect of electric field on the lateral migration of the particle in the Poiseuille flow. The numerical results show that the electric field has a significant influence on the particle migration. When an electric field in the vertical direction is applied to the charged particle initially located above the centerline of the channel, the equilibrium position of the particle would drop suddenly as the electric field is larger than a critical value. This is caused by the wall repulsion due to lubrication, the inertial lift related to shear slip, the lift owing to particle rotation, the lift due to the curvature of the undisturbed velocity profile, and the electric force. On the other hand, when an electric field in the horizontal direction is adopted, the equilibrium position of the particle would move toward the centerline of the channel with the increase of the electric field.

Improved phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method for thermocapillary flow.

In this paper, we present an improved phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann (LB) method for thermocapillary flows with large density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity ratios. The present method uses three LB models to solve the conservative Allen-Cahn equation, the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, and the temperature equation. To overcome the difficulty caused by the convection term in solving the convection-diffusion equation for the temperature field, we first rewrite the temperature equation as a diffuse equation where the convection term is regarded as the source term and then construct an improved LB model for the diffusion equation. The macroscopic governing equations can be recovered correctly from the present LB method; moreover, the present LB method is much simpler and more efficient. In order to test the accuracy of this LB method, several numerical examples are considered, including the planar thermal Poiseuille flow of two immiscible fluids, the two-phase thermocapillary flow in a nonuniformly heated channel, and the thermocapillary Marangoni flow of a deformable bubble. It is found that the numerical results obtained from the present LB method are consistent with the theoretical prediction and available numerical data, which indicates that the present LB method is an effective approach for the thermocapillary flows.

Multiple-relaxation-time finite-difference lattice Boltzmann model for the nonlinear convection-diffusion equation.

In this paper, a multiple-relaxation-time finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method (MRT-FDLBM) is developed for the nonlinear convection-diffusion equation (NCDE). Through designing the equilibrium distribution function and the source term properly, the NCDE can be recovered exactly from MRT-FDLBM. We also conduct the von Neumann stability analysis on the present MRT-FDLBM and its special case, i.e., single-relaxation-time finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method (SRT-FDLBM). Then, a simplified version of MRT-FDLBM (SMRT-FDLBM) is also proposed, which can save about 15% computational cost. In addition, a series of real and complex-value NCDEs, including the isotropic convection-diffusion equation, Burgers-Fisher equation, sine-Gordon equation, heat-conduction equation, and Schrödinger equation, are used to test the performance of MRT-FDLBM. The results show that both MRT-FDLBM and SMRT-FDLBM have second-order convergence rates in space and time. Finally, the stability and accuracy of five different models are compared, including the MRT-FDLBM, SMRT-FDLBM, SRT-FDLBM, the previous finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method [H. Wang, B. Shi et al., Appl. Math. Comput. 309, 334 (2017)10.1016/j.amc.2017.04.015], and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The stability tests show that the sequence of stability from high to low is as follows: MRT-FDLBM, SMRT-FDLBM, SRT-FDLBM, the previous finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method, and LBM. In most of the precision test results, it is found that the order from high to low of precision is MRT-FDLBM, SMRT-FDLBM, SRT-FDLBM, and the previous finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method.

Multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model-based four-level finite-difference scheme for one-dimensional diffusion equations.

In this paper, we first present a multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (MRT-LB) model for one-dimensional diffusion equation where the D1Q3 (three discrete velocities in one-dimensional space) lattice structure is considered. Then through the theoretical analysis, we derive an explicit four-level finite-difference scheme from this MRT-LB model. The results show that the four-level finite-difference scheme is unconditionally stable, and through adjusting the weight coefficient ω_{0} and the relaxation parameters s_{1} and s_{2} corresponding to the first and second moments, it can also have a sixth-order accuracy in space. Finally, we also test the four-level finite-difference scheme through some numerical simulations and find that the numerical results are consistent with our theoretical analysis.

Multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method for the Navier-Stokes and nonlinear convection-diffusion equations: Modeling, analysis, and elements.

In this paper, we first present a unified framework of multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (MRT-LB) method for the Navier-Stokes and nonlinear convection-diffusion equations where a block-lower-triangular-relaxation matrix and an auxiliary source distribution function are introduced. We then conduct a comparison of the four popular analysis methods (Chapman-Enskog analysis, Maxwell iteration, direct Taylor expansion, and recurrence equations approaches) that have been used to obtain the macroscopic Navier-Stokes and nonlinear convection-diffusion equations from the MRT-LB method and show that from mathematical point of view, these four analysis methods can give the same equations at the second-order of expansion parameters. Finally, we give some elements that are needed in the implementation of the MRT-LB method and also find that some available LB models can be obtained from this MRT-LB method.

Phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann model for immiscible incompressible N-phase flows.

In this paper, we develop an efficient and alternative lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for simulating immiscible incompressible N-phase flows (N≥2) based on the Cahn-Hilliard phase field theory. In order to facilitate the design of LB model and reduce the calculation of the gradient term, the governing equations of the N-phase system are reformulated, and they satisfy the conservation of mass, momentum and the second law of thermodynamics. In the present model, (N-1) LB equations are employed to capture the interface, and another LB equation is used to solve the Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations, where a new distribution function for the total force is delicately designed to reduce the calculation of the gradient term. The developed model is first validated by two classical benchmark problems, including the tests of static droplets and the spreading of a liquid lens, the simulation results show that the current LB model is accurate and efficient for simulating incompressible N-phase fluid flows. To further demonstrate the capability of the LB model, two numerical simulations, including dynamics of droplet collision for four fluid phases and dynamics of droplets and interfaces for five fluid phases, are performed to test the developed model. The results show that the present model can successfully handle complex interactions among N (N≥2) immiscible incompressible flows.

Discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for nonlinear convection-diffusion equations.

In this paper, we develop a discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) for a general nonlinear convection-diffusion equation (NCDE) and show that the NCDE can be recovered correctly from the present model through the Chapman-Enskog analysis. We then test the present DUGKS through some classic convection-diffusion equations, and we find that the numerical results are in good agreement with analytical solutions and that the DUGKS model has a second-order convergence rate. Finally, as a finite-volume method, the DUGKS can also adopt the nonuniform mesh. Besides, we perform some comparisons among the DUGKS, the finite-volume lattice Boltzmann model (FV-LBM), the single-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model (SLBM), and the multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model (MRT-LBM). The results show that the present DUGKS is more accurate than the FV-LBM, more stable than the SLBM, and almost has the same accuracy as the MRT-LBM. Moreover, the use of nonuniform mesh may make the DUGKS model more flexible.

Mixed bounce-back boundary scheme of the general propagation lattice Boltzmann method for advection-diffusion equations.

In this work, a mixed bounce-back boundary scheme of general propagation lattice Boltzmann (GPLB) model is proposed for isotropic advection-diffusion equations (ADEs) with Robin boundary condition, and a detailed asymptotic analysis is also conducted to show that the present boundary scheme for the straight walls has a second-order accuracy in space. In addition, several numerical examples, including the Helmholtz equation in a square domain, the diffusion equation with sinusoidal concentration gradient, one-dimensional transient ADE with Robin boundary and an ADE with a source term, are also considered. The results indicate that the numerical solutions agree well with the analytical ones, and the convergence rate is close to 2.0. Furthermore, through adjusting the two parameters in the GPLB model properly, the present boundary scheme can be more accurate than some existing lattice Boltzmann boundary schemes.

Lattice Boltzmann method for contact-line motion of binary fluids with high density ratio.

Within the phase-field framework, we present an accurate and robust lattice Boltzmann (LB) method for simulating contact-line motion of immiscible binary fluids on the solid substrate. The most striking advantage of this method lies in that it enables us to handle two-phase flows with mass conservation and a high density contrast of 1000, which is often unavailable in the existing multiphase LB models. To simulate binary fluid flows, the present method utilizes two LB evolution equations, which are respectively used to solve the conservative Allen-Cahn equation for interface capturing, and the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for hydrodynamic properties. Besides, to account for the substrate wettability, two popular contact angle models including the cubic surface-energy model and the geometrical one are incorporated into the present method, and their performances are numerically evaluated over a wide range of contact angles. The contact-angle hysteresis effect, which is inherent to a rough or chemically inhomogeneous substrate, is also introduced in the present LB approach through the strategy proposed by Ding and Spelt [J. Fluid Mech. 599, 341 (2008)10.1017/S0022112008000190]. The present method is first validated by simulating droplet spreading and capillary intrusion on the ideal or smooth pipes. It is found that the cubic surface-energy and geometrical wetting schemes both offer considerable accuracy for predicting a static contact angle within its middle region, while the former is more stable at extremely small contact angles. Besides, it is shown that the geometrical wetting scheme enables us to obtain better accuracy for predicting dynamic contact points in capillary pipe. Then we use the present LB method to simulate the droplet shearing processes on a nonideal substrate with contact angle hysteresis. The geometrical wetting model is found to be capable of reproducing four typical motion modes of contact line, while the surface-energy wetting scheme fails to predict the hysteresis behaviors in some cases. At last, a complex contact-line dynamic problem of three-dimensional microscale droplet impact on a wettable solid is simulated, and it is found that the numerical results for droplet shapes agree well with the experimental data.

Maxwell-Stefan-theory-based lattice Boltzmann model for diffusion in multicomponent mixtures.

The phenomena of diffusion in multicomponent (more than two components) mixtures are universal in both science and engineering, and from the mathematical point of view, they are usually described by the Maxwell-Stefan (MS)-theory-based diffusion equations where the molar average velocity is assumed to be zero. In this paper, we propose a multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for the mass diffusion in multicomponent mixtures and also perform a Chapman-Enskog analysis to show that the MS continuum equations can be correctly recovered from the developed LB model. In addition, considering the fact that the MS-theory-based diffusion equations are just a diffusion type of partial differential equations, we can also adopt much simpler lattice structures to reduce the computational cost of present LB model. We then conduct some simulations to test this model and find that the results are in good agreement with the previous work. Besides, the reverse diffusion, osmotic diffusion, and diffusion barrier phenomena are also captured. Finally, compared to the kinetic-theory-based LB models for multicomponent gas diffusion, the present model does not include any complicated interpolations, and its collision process can still be implemented locally. Therefore, the advantages of single-component LB method can also be preserved in present LB model.

Phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann modeling of large-density-ratio two-phase flows.

In this paper, we present a simple and accurate lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for immiscible two-phase flows, which is able to deal with large density contrasts. This model utilizes two LB equations, one of which is used to solve the conservative Allen-Cahn equation, and the other is adopted to solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. A forcing distribution function is elaborately designed in the LB equation for the Navier-Stokes equations, which make it much simpler than the existing LB models. In addition, the proposed model can achieve superior numerical accuracy compared with previous Allen-Cahn type of LB models. Several benchmark two-phase problems, including static droplet, layered Poiseuille flow, and spinodal decomposition are simulated to validate the present LB model. It is found that the present model can achieve relatively small spurious velocity in the LB community, and the obtained numerical results also show good agreement with the analytical solutions or some available results. Lastly, we use the present model to investigate the droplet impact on a thin liquid film with a large density ratio of 1000 and the Reynolds number ranging from 20 to 500. The fascinating phenomena of droplet splashing is successfully reproduced by the present model and the numerically predicted spreading radius exhibits to obey the power law reported in the literature.

General propagation lattice Boltzmann model for nonlinear advection-diffusion equations.

In this paper, a general propagation lattice Boltzmann model is proposed for nonlinear advection-diffusion equations (NADEs), and the Chapman-Enskog analysis shows that the NADEs with variable coefficients can be recovered correctly from the present model. We also perform some simulations of the linear advection-diffusion equation, nonlinear heat conduction equation, NADEs with anisotropic diffusion, and variable coefficients to test the present model, and find that the numerical results agree well with the corresponding analytical solutions. Moreover, it is also shown that by properly adjusting the two free parameters introduced into the propagation step, the present model could be more stable and more accurate than the standard lattice Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model.

Lattice Boltzmann model for high-order nonlinear partial differential equations.

In this paper, a general lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is proposed for the high-order nonlinear partial differential equation with the form ∂_{t}ϕ+∑_{k=1}^{m}α_{k}∂_{x}^{k}Π_{k}(ϕ)=0 (1≤k≤m≤6), α_{k} are constant coefficients, Π_{k}(ϕ) are some known differential functions of ϕ. As some special cases of the high-order nonlinear partial differential equation, the classical (m)KdV equation, KdV-Burgers equation, K(n,n)-Burgers equation, Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation, and Kawahara equation can be solved by the present LB model. Compared to the available LB models, the most distinct characteristic of the present model is to introduce some suitable auxiliary moments such that the correct moments of equilibrium distribution function can be achieved. In addition, we also conducted a detailed Chapman-Enskog analysis, and found that the high-order nonlinear partial differential equation can be correctly recovered from the proposed LB model. Finally, a large number of simulations are performed, and it is found that the numerical results agree with the analytical solutions, and usually the present model is also more accurate than the existing LB models [H. Lai and C. Ma, Sci. China Ser. G 52, 1053 (2009)1672-179910.1007/s11433-009-0149-3; H. Lai and C. Ma, Phys. A (Amsterdam) 388, 1405 (2009)PHYADX0378-437110.1016/j.physa.2009.01.005] for high-order nonlinear partial differential equations.

Discrete effect on the halfway bounce-back boundary condition of multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model for convection-diffusion equations.

In this paper, we will focus on the multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann model for two-dimensional convection-diffusion equations (CDEs), and analyze the discrete effect on the halfway bounce-back (HBB) boundary condition (or sometimes called bounce-back boundary condition) of the MRT model where three different discrete velocity models are considered. We first present a theoretical analysis on the discrete effect of the HBB boundary condition for the simple problems with a parabolic distribution in the x or y direction, and a numerical slip proportional to the second-order of lattice spacing is observed at the boundary, which means that the MRT model has a second-order convergence rate in space. The theoretical analysis also shows that the numerical slip can be eliminated in the MRT model through tuning the free relaxation parameter corresponding to the second-order moment, while it cannot be removed in the single-relaxation-time model or the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model unless the relaxation parameter related to the diffusion coefficient is set to be a special value. We then perform some simulations to confirm our theoretical results, and find that the numerical results are consistent with our theoretical analysis. Finally, we would also like to point out the present analysis can be extended to other boundary conditions of lattice Boltzmann models for CDEs.