Comparing lattice Boltzmann simulations of periodic fluid flow in repeated micropore structures with longitudinal symmetry and asymmetry

Abstract

Pumping of a particulate suspension back and forth through a membrane of periodic axisymmetric pores results in no net flow of the fluid; however, the particles are transported along the pores from one side of the membrane to the other. The movement of the particles is dependent on the geometry of the pore walls. Current simulations for this problem utilise standard computational fluid dynamics techniques (e.g. finite element method, boundary element method). However, there are difficulties associated with applying these techniques to this problem, such as the requirement of many spatial periods. The lattice Boltzmann method overcomes these disadvantages by utilising periodic boundary conditions, which are straightforward to implement. Flow simulations in longitudinally symmetric and asymmetric pores with various Reynolds numbers are compared. The importance of pore shape and viscous effects is showcased through streamline plots.