Advances in lattice Boltzmann modeling (LBM) to simulate two-phase dynamics

In this paper, a new lattice Boltzmann model, called the artificial interface lattice Boltzmann model (AILB model), is proposed for the simulation of two-phase dynamics. The model is based on the principle of free energy minimization and invokes the Gibbs-Duhem equation in the formulation of non-ideal forcing function. Bulk regions of the two phases are governed by a non-ideal equation of state (for example, the van der Waals equation of state), whereas an artificial near-critical equation of state is applied in the interfacial region. The interfacial equation of state is described by a double well density dependence of the free energy. The continuity of chemical potential is enforced at the interface boundaries. Using the AILB model, large density and viscosity ratios of the two phases can be simulated. The model is able to quantitatively capture the coexistence curve for the van der Waals equation of state for different temperatures. Moreover, spatially varying viscosities can be simulated by choosing the relaxation time as a function of local density.