Numerical simulation of the collision of two microdroplets with a pseudopotential multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model

Collisions of two equally sized liquid microdroplets in gaseous phase are numerically studied by the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The multiphase formulation adopted is a pseudopotential model with improved treatment of the equation of state and force incorporation which is then coupled with the multiple-relaxation-time scheme. That allows a detailed investigation into microdroplet collisions characterized by high-density ratios as well as by relevant inertial effects. Simulations related to a wide range of flow parameters (e.g. Weber and Reynolds numbers) are reported, in order to embrace all the collisional regimes presented in previous experimental studies. From surface tension-driven coalescence (both inertial and viscous coalescence have been examined) to catastrophic break-up with the formation of children microdroplets, the simulations demonstrate that the LBM correctly reproduces the collision dynamics and the final outcomes in almost all the regimes. Different break-up mechanisms like end-pinching and capillary wave-induced break-up have been observed. Finally, the initial stages of the inertia-dominated head-on collision process have been studied, showing once more the effectiveness and reliability of this multiphase LBM implementation.