Algorithmic augmentation in the pseudopotential-based lattice Boltzmann method for simulating the pool boiling...

Area of Science:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Multiphase Flow Simulation
• Heat Transfer

Background:

• The pseudopotential-based lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is powerful for interface dynamics but limited by thermodynamic inconsistency at high-density ratios.
• Existing LBM algorithms struggle with stable simulations of phenomena like pool boiling under realistic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the LBM algorithm for improved thermodynamic consistency and isotropy.
• To enable accurate simulation of pool boiling at significantly higher density ratios than previously possible.
• To validate the enhanced LBM's capability in capturing boiling regimes and predicting critical heat flux.

Main Methods:

• Augmented the basic LBM algorithm by enhancing discrete equation isotropy and thermodynamic consistency.
• Modified the interparticle interaction term discretization to the eighth order.
• Simulated various pool boiling scenarios with different heater configurations and domains at a reduced temperature of 0.75.

Main Results:

• Substantially reduced spurious velocity near static droplets.
• Achieved stable simulations at much higher density ratios compared to existing Single Relaxation Time (SRT)-LBM algorithms.
• Successfully captured all three regimes of pool boiling and developed the boiling curve.
• Predicted critical heat flux within 10% of the Zuber correlation for a plain heater.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced LBM formulation overcomes thermodynamic inconsistency limitations, enabling higher-density ratio simulations.
• The algorithm accurately models pool boiling phenomena, including critical heat flux prediction.
• This advancement significantly improves the potential of LBM for multiphase interface simulations.