A Multiple-Grid Lattice Boltzmann Method for Natural Convection under Low and High Prandtl Numbers

Abstract

A multi-distribution lattice Boltzmann Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) model with a multiple-grid lattice Boltzmann (MGLB) model is proposed to efficiently simulate natural convection over a wide range of Prandtl numbers. In this method, different grid sizes and time steps for heat transfer and fluid flow equations are chosen. The model is validated against natural convection in a square cavity, since extensive benchmark solutions are available for that problem. The proposed method can resolve the computational difficulty in simulating problems with very different time scales, in particular, when using extremely low or high Prandtl numbers. The technique can also enhance computational speed and stability while keeping the simplicity of the BGK method. Compared with the conventional lattice Boltzmann method, the simulation time can be reduced up to one-tenth of the time while maintaining the accuracy in an acceptable range. The proposed model can be extended to other lattice Boltzmann collision models and three-dimensional cases, making it a great candidate for large-scale simulations.