Title: Validations of Lattice Boltzmann Method Simulations of Liquid Bridges Between Spherical Particles

Author (Talk): Kevin Connington, Stevens Institute of Technology

Abstract:

The extension of liquid bridges between spherical particles has been widely investigated, where the critical separation distance that leads to rupture, and the forces exerted on the particles, have been of interest to researchers. Most of the previous research has concentrated on static or quasi-static scenarios, but fully dynamic situations, commonly encountered in practical applications, are not yet fully understood. For this purpose, we have developed predictive numerical simulations using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), where they account for the dynamic influence of viscous forces and inertia, which are not present in static scenarios. In this presentation, key features of the LBM multiphase algorithm will be identified, and three different validation studies will be described. All results were compared to theoretical expressions or experimental studies, and have shown reasonably small errors, rendering the numerical simulations sufficiently accurate for such a complex situation. As a result, we plan to use the code to analyze novel dynamic scenarios, more representative of real-world applications.