Beyond fluid dynamics: How the lattice Boltzmann method transforms multiphysics simulations

 

What if we could simulate the complexities of nature - from turbulent airflows to the spread of epidemics - using a simple yet powerful framework? The Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) offers precisely that: a kinetic-theory-based approach that bridges microscopic chaos and macroscopic order. Originally developed for fluid dynamics, the LBM has evolved into a versatile computational tool capable of modelling a wide range of multiphysics phenomena, from multiphase flows to reaction-diffusion systems.

In this talk, we will explore how the LBM goes beyond traditional numerical methods, offering greater adaptability, efficiency, and scalability. We will explore its application to high-Reynolds-number flows, fluid-structure interactions, and even epidemiological modeling. By combining theoretical insights with real-world case studies, we will showcase how the LBM is not just an alternative to conventional solvers, but it represents a paradigm shift in how we simulate and understand complex physical processes. Whether in engineering, biomedical science, or environmental modelling, the LBM is proving to be an indispensable tool for tackling the challenges of modern computational science.

 

Speaker:

Alessandro De Rosis is a Senior Lecturer in Virtual Engineering at the University of Manchester. He earned his PhD from the University of Bologna in 2013 and went on to hold postdoctoral positions at École Centrale de Lyon and the Israel Institute of Technology. He also worked in industry at Dassault Systèmes before his appointment to a faculty position at The University of Manchester in 2019. His research has been primarily focused on multiphysics modeling using the Lattice Boltzmann Method, with a strong emphasis on its theoretical advancements and broader applications.