Lattice-Boltzmann modelling of multiphase flows

2021

Topic : Lattice-Boltzmann methods

PhD on M2P2 lab, Marseille.

Background, Context :

The industry relies increasingly on numerical simulation for designing, improving, and even validating new combustion devices (engine, burner, furnace, etc.). Today, numerical combustion modelling relies almost exclusively on numerical codes solving the Navier-Stokes equations.

The Lattice Boltzmann solvers are very different from these codes, intending to solve a discrete variant of the Boltzmann equation. This type of flow solver is progressing rapidly, however, in turbulent flows configurations. The results obtained with Lattice Boltzmann methods (LBM) have shown to be excellent for aerodynamic applications, motivating intensive development of new methods.

Lattice Boltzmann methods applied to industrial applications are recent, however, and few models are able to deal with multiphase flows, and almost none with reactive (combusting) flows.

The development of combustion modelling within the LBM framework is the topic of this study, following our recent works.

Research subject, work plan :

Extending the LBM capabilities to combustion requires a profound rethinking of existing methods developed within the Navier-Stokes framework.

The team has recently made important steps in proving the LBM ability to tackle reactive and compressible flows, at a cost significantly reduced compared to classical results.

As part of Balbuzard project, an 8M€ multi-partner project between Airbus, CERFACS, CS group, LMFA, M2P2, ONERA, Safran, several positions are opening at M2P2.

The PhD will develop new models to simulate multiphase flows, in the context of the ProLB software. Promising results were obtained recently [7] at Cerfacs, but significant work is required to tackle contact interfaces in a robust and accurate manner. In particular, high-density ratios, as encountered in most aeronautical/space engines are hard to handle.

The diffuse interface method (see, e.g. [13]) has shown excellent robustness in the context of Euler equations, or even Navier-Stokes equations, but extension to LBM is not straightforward, and requires significant work on the numerical method. Such extension is the main topic of this PhD.

Applications will include numerous academic test cases such as: Riemann problems, liquid sheets destabilization, droplet impacts, cavitation, and an industrial configuration, if time allows it.

The topic is very challenging, but the outcomes are up to it: successfully developing the method would open a whole new field of application for the consortium, with direct applications for the consortium industrial partners.

The PhD candidate will be part of the team developing the ProLB software at M2P2 (~25 full-time researchers, from PhD candidates to full Profs.) ProLB is a software codeveloped by a strong academic/industrial consortium including Airbus, CS group, LMFA lab, M2P2 lab and Renault. He will follow regular meetings with the consortium, where he will be given the opportunity to present often his work to industrial partners.

Contracts : 3 years for PhD thesis / Salaries according to Aix-Marseille University standards.

Essential skills : Strong background in scientific computing (c++ preferred), compressible flows, reactive and/or multiphase flows. English.

Desired skills : LBM, HPC, French.

Application : Email CV, cover letter to pierre.boivin@univ-amu.fr.

Intended Start date: In 2021, negotiable depending on profile.

References:

[1] Y. Feng, M. Tayyab, and P. Boivin, “A lattice-boltzmann model for low-mach reactive flows,” Combustion and Flame, vol. 196, pp. 249 – 254, 2018.

[2] Y. Feng, P. Boivin, J. Jacob, and P. Sagaut, “Hybrid recursive regularized thermal lattice boltzmann model for high subsonic compressible flows,” Journal of Computational Physics, vol. 394, pp. 82 – 99, 2019.

[3] S. Zhao, G. Farag, P. Boivin, and P. Sagaut, “Toward fully conservative hybrid lattice boltzmann methods for compressible flows,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 32, no. 12, p. 126118, 2020.

[4] M. Tayyab, B. Radisson, C. Almarcha, B. Denet, and P. Boivin, “Experimental and numerical lattice- boltzmann investigation of the darrieus-landau instability,” Combustion and Flame, vol. 221, pp. 103– 109, 2020.

[5] G. Farag, S. Zhao, T. Coratger, P. Boivin, G. Chiavassa, and P. Sagaut, “A pressure-based regularized lattice-boltzmann method for the simulation of compressible flows,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 32, no. 6, p. 066106, 2020.

[6] M. Tayyab, S. Zhao, Y. Feng, and P. Boivin, “Hybrid regularized lattice-boltzmann modelling of pre- mixed and non-premixed combustion processes,” Combustion and Flame, vol. 211, pp. 173–184, 2020.

[7] T. Lafarge, P. Boivin, N. Odier, and B. Cuenot, “Improved color-gradient method for lattice-boltzmann modeling of two-phase flows,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 33, no. 8, p. 082110, 2021.

[8] G. Farag, T. Coratger, G. Wissocq, S. Zhao, P. Boivin, and P. Sagaut, “A unified hybrid lattice- boltzmann method for compressible flows: bridging between pressure-based and density-based meth- ods,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 33, no. 8, 2021.

[9] M. Tayyab, S. Zhao, and P. Boivin, “Lattice-boltzmann modelling of a turbulent bluff-body stabilized flame,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 33, no. 3, p. 031701, 2021.

[10] I. Cheylan, S. Zhao, P. Boivin, and P. Sagaut, “Compressible pressure-based lattice-boltzmann applied to humid air with phase change,” Applied Thermal Engineering, p. 116868, 2021.

[11] G. Farag, S. Zhao, G. Chiavassa, and P. Boivin, “Consistency study of lattice-boltzmann schemes macroscopic limit,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 33, no. 3, p. 031701, 2021.

[12] P. Boivin, M. Tayyab, and S. Zhao, “Benchmarking a lattice-boltzmann solver for reactive flows: Is the method worth the effort for combustion?,” Physics of Fluids, vol. 33, p. 017703, 2021.

[13] R. Saurel, P. Boivin, and O. Le Metayer, “A general formulation for cavitating, boiling and evaporating flows,” Computers & Fluids, vol. 128, pp. 53–64, 2016.