Numerical investigation of dynamics of drop motion using lattice Boltzmann method

Dynamics of a drop under the influence of gravitational force was examined using lattice Boltzmann method and color-gradient model. The term associated with the buoyancy force caused by the density difference between the two phases was modified in the lattice Boltzmann equations and verified in some cases. The motion of n-butyl acetate drops in water was predicted in various deformation regimes. The modeling results were in good agreement with the experimental results, solutions obtained by common CFD methods and semi-empirical correlations. Contrary to the common multiphase models, the behavior of moving drops in oscillating regime was predicted with good accuracy using the present model. The capability of the modified color-gradient model was examined through the analysis of drop motion dynamics for all regimes observed in the experimental quantified flow visualization charts at low (2.5) and high (100) density ratios. The results indicated that the terminal Reynolds number and the final shape of drops were in complete agreement with the experimental data. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.