A lattice Boltzmann approach for solving scalar transport equations

Abstract

A lattice Boltzmann (LB) approach is presented for solving scalar transport equations. In addition to the standard LB for fluid flow, a second set of distribution functions is introduced for transport scalars. This LB approach fully recovers the macroscopic scalar transport equation satisfying an exact conservation law. It is numerically stable and scalar diffusivity does not have a Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy-like stability upper limit. With a sufficient lattice isotropy, numerical solutions are independent of grid orientations. A generalized boundary condition for scalars on arbitrary geometry is also realized by a precise control of surface scalar flux. Numerical results of various benchmarks are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency and robustness of the approach. © 2011 The Royal Society.