Assessment of the Shan–Chen Lattice Boltzmann Model for Simulating Immiscible Multiphase Flows

Authors

  • Fateme Sharif Hasan * Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan, Guilan, Iran.
  • Natalja Osintsev Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung Wilhelm-Klauditz Institut WKI, Bienroder Weg 54 E, 38108 Brunswick, Germany.

https://doi.org/10.48313/mtei.v3i2.86

Abstract

Because of its mesoscopic nature and local computational formulation, the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) has proven itself to be a valuable tool for simulating immiscible multiphase flows. The advantage of this numerical approach is the automatic handling of intricate interfacial physics, eliminating the need for manual interface reconstruction. In this study, the multicomponent Shan-Chen pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann scheme is assessed numerically for immiscible multiphase flows. A single-relaxation-timeA single-relaxation-time collision operator is used, along with the D2Q9 lattice and the Guo forcing scheme, to include intermolecular forces. Initially, the influence of the intermolecular interaction parameter G on the quality of phase segregation, interfacial resolution, and the density profile is examined by considering a stationary droplet. The results show that as the G value increases, the interface becomes sharper and phase segregation improves; however, this improvement diminishes at higher values of the intermolecular force parameter. Afterward, the reliability of the Shan–Chen model is evaluated against various challenging multiphase benchmarks, including the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, the coalescence of two drops, the damped oscillation of a drop in a U-tube setup, and droplet deformation in a shearing flow field. The interface dynamics, bridge formation, and capillary relaxation during droplet coalescence, along with the damped oscillations of interfaces and the droplet's gradual deformation as the capillary number increases, are all effectively represented by numerical simulation. The Shan–Chen model, despite its simple formulation, is an effective tool for simulating a range of equilibrium and dynamic interfacial behaviors, making it a suitable option for studying multiphase flows, as evidenced by these results.

Keywords:

Lattice Boltzmann method, Multicomponent flow, Laplace test, Spurious currents, Droplet dynamics, Rayleigh–Taylor instability, Droplet coalescence, Droplet deformation

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Published

2026-06-24

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Mechanical Technology and Engineering Insights (MTEI)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sharif Hasan, F. ., & Osintsev, N. . (2026). Assessment of the Shan–Chen Lattice Boltzmann Model for Simulating Immiscible Multiphase Flows. Mechanical Technology and Engineering Insights, 3(2), 144-158. https://doi.org/10.48313/mtei.v3i2.86

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