Examining a Conservative Phase-Field Lattice Boltzmann Model for Two-Phase Flows

Abstract

In this study, a conservative phase-field lattice Boltzmann model is examined for simulating immiscible two-phase flows with large density and viscosity ratios. This model is built upon the Allen–Cahn equation, incorporating a filtered collision operator and high-order corrections in the equilibrium distribution functions. The numerical model is also integrated with the volumetric boundary scheme and the immersed boundary method to achieve various stationary and moving boundary conditions on arbitrary geometries for different application scenarios. A comprehensive evaluation of this phase-field solver is conducted through a range of academic and industrial cases. First, droplet splashing cases at different Reynolds numbers are studied. The phase-field LB model effectively captures the surface wave motion and splashing of the droplet, although some smearing of small structures is observed due to the diffused interface property of the numerical model. Second, a tuned liquid damper is simulated, accurately capturing sloshing forces on solid walls. In the simulation of a dam-breaking case, predicted gauge pressure and free-surface elevation time histories compare well with experimental data. Lastly, a gearbox case under dip lubrication is simulated, with both the gearbox churning loss and oil distribution being well predicted across a range of rotating speeds. The validation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the present phase-field lattice Boltzmann model in simulating immiscible two-phase flows with large and realistic density and viscosity ratios. The strengths, limitations, and weaknesses of the conservative phase-field LB model are discussed, and suggestions for the development and application of this numerical model are provided.