Lattice-Boltzmann Methods for Flow Simulation

Abstract

As outlined in the previous chapter, standard methods for flow simulations are based on the numerical solution of the (continuum mechanical) Navier-Stokes equations. The so-called Lattice-Boltzmann methods, which became popular, in recent years, also industrial practice, offer an alternative approach. The basis of these methods is a particle-based description of a fluid and—as one knows today—they are in close relation to the fundamental Boltzmann equation of statistical physics. However, the original starting point was in the field of theoretical computer science, namely, the theory of cellular automata. In order to understand the principles, it is helpful to consider this approach first.