Lattice Boltzmann simulations for flow and heat/mass transfer problems in a three-dimensional porous structure

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for a binary miscible fluid mixture is applied to problems of transport phenomena in a three-dimensional porous structure. Boundary conditions for the particle distribution function of a diffusing component are described in detail. Flow characteristics and concentration profiles of diffusing species at a pore scale in the structure are obtained at various Reynolds numbers. At high Reynolds numbers, the concentration profiles are highly affected by the flow convection and become completely different from those at low Reynolds numbers. The Sherwood numbers are calculated and compared in good agreement with available experimental data. The results indicate that the present method is useful for the investigation of transport phenomena in porous structures.