3-D LATTICE BOLTZMANN MODEL FOR ASYMMETRIC TAYLOR BUBBLE AND TAYLOR DROP IN INCLINED CHANNEL

Numerical simulation of the gas (air) bubble in an inclined water column is a challenging task due to the asymmetric three dimensional nature of the interface. Diffuse interface concept has been incorporated in the basic 3D lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to track the asymmetric interface between fluids having high density ratios. Effects of channel inclination, bubble size and channel cross sectional area on the asymmetry of the bubble have been studied. Asymmetry of the rising bubble across the column axis increases with the inclination of the column. Maximum bubble velocity is observed between 60 degrees and 90 degrees depending on the bubble volume and column cross sectional area. Proposed model is also used to investigate the downward movement of a water drop through a column of kerosene. Similar type of asymmetry is also noticed during the downward movement of the kerosene drop in water.