A lattice Boltzmann model for natural convection in cavities

Abstract

We study a multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann model for natural convection with moment–based boundary conditions. The unknown primary variables of the algorithm at a boundary are found by imposing conditions directly upon hydrodynamic moments, which are then translated into conditions for the discrete velocity distribution functions. The method is formulated so that it is consistent with the second–order implementation of the discrete velocity Boltzmann equations for fluid flow and temperature. Natural convection in square cavities is studied for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 103 to 106. An excellent agreement with benchmark data is observed and the flow fields are shown to converge with second order accuracy.