Entropic lattice Boltzmann method for microflows

A new method for the computation of flows at the micrometer scale is presented. It is based on the recently introduced minimal entropic kinetic models. Both the thermal and isothermal families of minimal models are presented, and the simplest isothermal entropic lattice Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (ELBGK) is studied in detail in order to quantify its relevance for microflow simulations. ELBGK is equipped with boundary conditions which are derived from molecular models (diffusive wall). A map of three-dimensional kinetic equations onto two-dimensional models is established which enables two-dimensional simulations of quasi-two-dimensional flows. The ELBGK model is studied extensively in the simulation of the two-dimensional Poiseuille channel flow. Results are compared to known analytical and numerical studies of this flow in the setting of the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model. The ELBGK is in quantitative agreement with analytical results in the domain of weak rarefaction (characterized by Knudsen number Kn, the ratio of mean free path to the hydrodynamic scale), up to Kn ∼ 0.01, which is the domain of many practical microflows. Moreover, the results qualitatively agree throughout the entire Knudsen number range, demonstrating Knudsen’s minimum for the mass flow rate at moderate values of Kn, as well as the logarithmic scaling at large Kn. The present results indicate that ELBM can complement or even replace computationally expensive microscopic simulation techniques such as kinetic Monte Carlo and/or molecular dynamics for low Mach and low Knudsen number hydrodynamics pertinent to microflows.