Three-dimensional simulation of bubble dynamics in a narrow pipe using lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

In the paper, a three-dimensional model of a gravity-driven bubble rising in a narrow pipe filled with viscous liquid is built using the lattice Boltzmann method. On the Cartesian grid, the free-energy multiphase lattice Boltzmann model and the no-slip bounce-back scheme are combined together to implement the bubble interface and the solid boundary treatment, respectively. To start with, the Laplace law for bubble interface is verified with the newly built model in this paper. Then the cases where the pipe with the radius 1.2 to 2.5 times the bubble radius are carried out to investigate the effects of pipe dimension on the bubble motion, including rising velocity, deformation and jet formation. Moreover, the asymmetric characteristics of bubble biases the centre axle are explored further. The results show that the boundary condition effect consisting of the pipe dimension and the offset of bubble biasing the centre axle is of great significance to the bubble dynamics in a narrow pipe. The former factor mostly affect the velocity characteristics of the bubble, while the latter one mostly focuses on the bubble deformation and trajectory.