Use of a least squares finite element lattice Boltzmann method to study fluid flow and mass transfer processes

Abstract

In our previous efforts, a least squares finite element lattice Boltzmann method (LSFE-LBM) was developed and successfully applied to simulate fluid flow in porous media. In this paper, we extend LSFE-LBM to simulate solute transport in bulk fluid and couple it with non-linear sorption/desorption processes at solid particle surfaces. The influences of the Peclet number and sorption non-linearity on solute transport is evaluated. Results of this work demonstrate the capability of using LSFE-LBM to study fluid flow and non-linear mass transfer processes at the pore scale. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.