Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in a Symmetrically Bifurcated MicroChannel

摘要

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) as a relatively new numerical scheme has recently achieved considerable success in simulating fluid flows and associated transport phenomena. However, application of this method to heat transfer problems has been at a stage of infancy. In this work, a thermal lattice Boltzmann model is employed to simulate a two-dimensional, steady flow in a symmetric bifurcation under constant temperature and constant heat flux boundary conditions. The bifurcation effects on the heat transfer and fluid flow are investigated and comparisons are made with the straight tube. Also, different bifurcation angles are simulated and the results are compared with the work of the other researchers.