Simulating drop formation at an aperture by means of a Multi-Component Pseudo-Potential Lattice Boltzmann model

Pieter Berghout, Harry E.A. Van den Akker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The growth and release of a pendent liquid droplet with the complex motion of the phase interface as a result of a liquid flow from an aperture has been studied by means of a Multi-Component Pseudo-Potential Lattice Boltzmann method. In this method, automatic component separation is attained by means of the Shan and Chen (1993) interaction strength G. We demonstrate that droplet formation can satisfactorily be described by combining three elements: using two components α and β (of the same density and viscosity), the G-driven separation of α and β and gravity working on just α such that it becomes heavy and behaves as a liquid, while the gravity-free β mimics a gas. We present several time sequences of the growth and release of a pendent liquid droplet. Although the simulations were just 2–D, the dynamics of the necking, the tear shape of the droplet, and the motion of the apex after pinch-off all qualitatively agree with literature. The results are interpreted in terms of non–dimensional Bond, Ohnesorge and Archimedes numbers. We find convincing agreement between the relationships derived by dimensional analysis and the numerical simulations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)153-164
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow
Volume75
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2019

Keywords

  • Archimedes
  • Bond
  • Drop formation
  • Lattice Boltzmann Method
  • Ohnesorge
  • Pendent drop

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