Lattice Boltzmann method for heat transfer in transitional flows with unified single-node curved boundary conditions

Laminar separation bubbles in transitional flows of low-Reynolds-number airfoils significantly affect aero-dynamic efficiency and heat transfer characteristics, which can be dealt with using the numerical method with boundary treatment of complex geometry. This work proposes the unified single-node curved boundary conditions based on the thermal lattice Boltzmann method, and several benchmarks verify the higher accuracy and parallel scalability over conventional schemes. Multi-GPU simulations for air-foil Eppler 61 and SD8020 are carried out, and the lift coefficients CL are accurately simulated by the parametric combined momentum-exchange method. Furthermore, time-averaged pressure coefficients Cp and local Nussel number Nu of airfoil surfaces are obtained, and the unsteady flow and heat transfer characteristics of laminar separation bubbles are captured. Simulated average Nussel numbers Nu for an Eppler 61 airfoil with different Reynold numbers are equivalent to and modify the Hilpert correlation. The numerical method can quickly and accurately predict transitional flows of low-Reynolds-number airfoils and guide the design and application of heat transfer with blade configuration.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study proposes a unified single-node curved boundary condition based on the thermal lattice Boltzmann method, which is verified to have higher accuracy and parallel scalability over conventional schemes through multi-GPU simulations and several benchmarks. The numerical method can quickly and accurately predict transitional flows of low-Reynolds-number airfoils, providing guidance for the design and application of heat transfer.