Numerical validation of a consistent axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann model

Abstract

A recently derived axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann model is evaluated numerically. The model incorporates a spatially and temporally varying source term into the evolution equation for the momentum distribution function on a two-dimensional Cartesian lattice. The precise form of the source term is derived through a Chapman-Enskog analysis so that the additional axisymmetric contributions in the Navier-Stokes equations are furnished when written in the cylindrical polar coordinate system. The validity of the model is confirmed by simulating Hagen-Poiseuille flow. Numerical predictions for the drag coefficient in Stokes' flow over a sphere are presented and shown to be in excellent agreement with analytical results. At larger Reynolds numbers the numerical predictions are shown to approach an empirically derived formula for the drag coefficient. © 2008 The American Physical Society.