Multi-component Lattice Boltzmann simulation of the hydrodynamics in drip emitters

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a fast and efficient numerical technique based on the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to model the flow through a reference drip emitter geometry. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the applicability of the LBM as a reliable simulation tool for the hydraulic optimisation of irrigation systems. Results for the water flow through a rectangular drip emitter are in good agreement with literature numerical and experimental data. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model to simulate a multi-component flow that could be used to simulate the presence of additives, contaminants, and suspended particles.

Keywords

• Drip emitters
• Lattice Boltzmann
• hydraulic modelling
• multicomponent flows
• clogging.