Lattice Boltzmann simulations of incompressible liquid–gas systems on partial wetting surfaces

Abstract

A three-dimensional Lattice Boltzmann two-phase model capable of dealing with large liquid and gas density ratios and with a partial wetting surface is introduced. This is based on a high density ratio model combined with a partial wetting boundary method. The predicted three-dimensional droplets at different partial wetting conditions at equilibrium are in good agreement with analytical solutions. Despite the large density ratio, the spurious velocity around the interface is not substantial, and is rather insensitive to the examined liquid and gas density and viscosity ratios. The influence of the gravitational force on the droplet shape is also examined through the variations of the Bond number, where the droplet shape migrates from spherical to flattened interface in tandem with the increase of the Bond number. The predicted interfaces under constant Bond number are also validated against measurements with good agreements.