Lattice Boltzmann simulation of flows in a three‐dimensional porous structure

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with the fifteen-velocity model is applied to simulations of isothermal flows in a three-dimensional porous structure. A periodic boundary condition with a pressure difference at the inlet and outlet is presented. Flow characteristics at a pore scale and pressure drops through the porous structure are calculated for various Reynolds numbers. It is found that at high Reynolds numbers, unsteady vortices appear behind bodies and the flow field becomes time-dependent. Calculated pressure drops through the structure are compared with well-known empirical equations based on experimental data