Computational thermoacoustics using a lattice Boltzmann simulation

Computational fluid dynamics is being used to investigate the thermoacoustic properties of stack materials with irregular pore geometries. Available models for stack materials with irregular geometries (such as wools and foams) are based empirically on parameters of the material that must be acoustically measured. A direct simulation of the thermohydrodynamic acoustic flow using a thermal lattice Boltzmann method provides a model of the acoustics from the base parameters of the materials make-up and provides insight into the mechanisms affecting that behavior. A particular focus is being placed on fibrous stack materials because their simple geometry is less challenging to replicate on a computer. Work will be presented on modeling a simple straight pore for verification of the numerical procedure as well as progress towards fully modeling a fibrous material. [Work supported by U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command.]