title: Simulation of low-Reynolds-number flow via a time-independent lattice-Boltzmann method.
abstract: We present a numerical method to solve the equations for low-Reynolds-number (Stokes) flow in porous media. The method is based on the lattice-Boltzmann approach, but utilizes a direct solution of time-independent equations, rather than the usual temporal evolution to steady state. Its computational efficiency is 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than the conventional lattice-Boltzmann method. The convergence of the permeability of random arrays of spheres has been analyzed as a function of mesh resolution at several different porosities. For sufficiently large spheres, we have found that the convergence is quadratic in the mesh resolution.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Engineering Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6005, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verberg
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ladd