Higher-order tuning of interface physics in multiphase lattice Boltzmann models

Area of Science:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Multiphase flow modeling
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Accurate modeling of multiphase flows requires precise interface property tuning.
• Surface tension and Tolman length are critical for nucleation rate estimation.
• Existing lattice Boltzmann methods often neglect the Tolman length.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for tuning interface properties in multiphase models.
• To incorporate the Tolman length into lattice Boltzmann simulations.
• To enhance the fidelity of phase-changing fluid dynamics modeling.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging the forcing stencil of the Shan-Chen multiphase model.
• Utilizing the lattice pressure tensor to determine coefficients for higher-order derivative terms.
• Performing hydrostatic and dynamic simulations.

Main Results:

• Successfully tuned surface tension and Tolman length coefficients at constant interface width and density ratio.
• Demonstrated the dependence of homogeneous nucleation rates on the Tolman length.
• Validated the method through simulations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a new tool for high-fidelity modeling of phase-changing fluid dynamics.
• Integration with existing strategies can further advance multiphase flow simulations.
• Accurate inclusion of Tolman length is crucial for predicting nucleation phenomena.