Lattice Boltzmann method featuring nonmaterial enthalpy for solid-liquid phase change in noncondensable gas.

Area of Science:

• Computational physics
• Fluid dynamics
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Simulating phase transitions like solidification requires accurate modeling of thermal properties and density changes.
• Existing lattice Boltzmann methods face challenges with parameter cross-distribution and latent heat precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel lattice Boltzmann (LB) method based on nonmaterial enthalpy (NME) for simulating liquid solidification in the presence of noncondensable gas.
• To address limitations in previous LB methods concerning thermal physical property parameter distribution and latent heat treatment.

Main Methods:

• Employs a nonmaterial enthalpy distribution function (NMEDF) to avoid cross-distribution of thermal physical properties.
• Integrates a modified linear state equation density-volume variation model for simultaneous density and volume changes.
• Leverages the dimensional compatibility of NMEDF with temperature for improved handling of high-density gradients.

Main Results:

• The NME-based LB method accurately simulates the impact and solidification of a water droplet on a cold surface in air.
• Results align with experimental data, demonstrating effective capture of the solidification process.
• The method successfully represents significant differences in thermal physical properties between air and water.

Conclusions:

• The developed NME-based LB method provides a precise and robust tool for simulating solidification processes involving noncondensable gases.
• This approach overcomes key limitations of prior methods, offering enhanced accuracy in latent heat treatment and density-volume variation modeling.