Author: Daniel H. RothmanPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
A better understanding of multiphase flow through fractures requiresknowledge of the detailed physics of interfacial flows at themicroscopic pore scale. The objective of our project was to developtools for the simulation of such phenomena. Complementary work wasperformed by a group led by Dr.~Paul Meakin of the Idaho NationalEngineering and Environmental Laboratory. Our focus was on the lattice-Boltzmann (LB) method. In particular, westudied both the statics and dynamics of contact lines where twofluids (wetting and non-wetting) meet solid boundaries. Previous workhad noted deficiencies in the way LB methods simulate such interfaces. Our work resulted in significant algorithmic improvements thatalleviated these deficiencies. As a result, we were able to study indetail the behavior of the dynamic contact angle in flow throughcapillary tubes. Our simulations revealed that our LB methodreproduces the correct scaling of the dynamic contact angle withrespect to velocity, viscosity, and surface tension, withoutspecification of an artificial slip length. Further study allowed usto identify the microscopic origin of the dynamic contact angle in LBmethods. These results serve to delineate the range of applicabilityof multiphase LB methods to flows through complex geometries.
