A multi‐block lattice Boltzmann method for viscous fluid flows

Abstract Compared to the Navier–Stokes equation‐based approach, the method of lattice Boltzmann Equation (LBE) offers an alternative treatment for fluid dynamics. The LBE method often employs uniform lattices to maintain a compact and efficient computational procedure, which makes it less efficient to perform flow simulations when there is a need for high resolution near the body and/or there is a far‐field boundary. To resolve these difficulties, a multi‐block method is developed. An accurate, conservative interface treatment between neighboring blocks is adopted, and demonstrated that it satisfies the continuity of mass, momentum, and stresses across the interface. Several test cases are employed to assess accuracy improvement with respect to grid refinement, the impact of the corner singularity, and the Reynolds number scaling. The present multi‐block method can substantially improve the accuracy and computational efficiency of the LBE method for viscous flow computations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.