Lattice Boltzmann method to simulate convection heat transfer in a microchannel under heat flux: Gravity and inclination angle on slip-velocity

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the lattice Boltzmann method’s ability to simulate a microflow under constant heat flux.

Design/methodology/approach

Develop the thermal lattice Boltzmann method based on double population of hydrodynamic and thermal distribution functions.

Findings

The buoyancy forces, caused by gravity, can change the hydrodynamic properties of the flow. As a result, the gravity term was included in the Boltzmann equation as an external force, and the equations were rewritten under new conditions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first attempt to investigate mixed-convection heat transfer in an inclined microchannel in a slip flow regime.

Citation

Mozaffari, M., D’Orazio, A., Karimipour, A., Abdollahi, A. and Safaei, M.R. (2020), "Lattice Boltzmann method to simulate convection heat transfer in a microchannel under heat flux: Gravity and inclination angle on slip-velocity", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 3371-3398. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-12-2018-0821