Lattice Boltzmann method for simulating particle–fluid interactions

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) has gained increasing popularity in the last two decades as an alternative numerical approach for solving fluid flow problems. One of the most active research areas in the LBM is its application in particle–fluid systems, where the advantage of the LBM in efficiency and parallel scalability has made it superior to many other direct numerical simulation (DNS) techniques. This article intends to provide a brief review of the application of the LBM in particle–fluid systems. The numerical techniques in the LBM pertaining to simulations of particles are discussed, with emphasis on the advanced treatment for boundary conditions on the particle–fluid interface. Other numerical issues, such as the effect of the internal fluid, are also briefly described. Additionally, recent efforts in using the LBM to obtain closures for particle–fluid drag force are also reviewed.