Viscous flow computations with the lattice-Boltzmann equation method

The lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) method is a kinetics-based approach for fluid flow computations, and it is amenable to parallel computing. Compared to the well-established Navier-Stokes (NS) approaches, critical issues remain with the LBE method, noticeably flexible spatial resolution, boundary treatments, and dispersion and relaxation time mode. Those issues are addressed in this dissertation with improved practice presented. At the formulation level, both the single-relaxation-time (SRT) and multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) models are analyzed. The SRT model involves no artificial parameters, with a constant relaxation time regulating the physical value of fluid viscosity. The MRT model allows different relaxation time scales for different variables. Computational assessment shows that the MRT model has advantages over the SRT model in maintaining stability, reducing the oscillation, and improving the convergence rate in the computation.; A multi-block method is developed for both the SRT and MRT model to facilitate flexible spatial resolutions according to the flow structures. The formulae for information exchange at the interface between coarse and fine grids are derived to ensure the mass and momentum conservation while maintaining the second-order accuracy. A customized time matching between coarse and fine grids is also presented to ensure smooth exchange information. Results show that the multi-block method can greatly increase the computational efficiency of the LBE method without losing the accuracy.; Two methods of force evaluation in LBE are examined: one based on stress integration on the solid boundary and the other momentum exchange between fluid and solid. The momentum exchange method is found to be simpler to implement while the integration of stress requires evaluation of the detailed surface geometry and extrapolation of stress-related variables to the same surface. The momentum exchange method performs better overall.; Improved treatments for both opened and solid boundaries are presented. It is demonstrated that these treatments are simpler than those existing ones while offering second order accuracy. Furthermore, the issues associated with moving solid boundaries are addressed. The proposed technique can substantially reduce the specious pressure fluctuation as the boundary crosses the grid lines.