Lattice Boltzmann simulation of viscous fingering of immiscible displacement in a channel using an improved wetting scheme

Abstract

An improved wetting boundary implementation strategy is proposed based on lattice Boltzmann color-gradient model in this paper. In this strategy, an extra interface force condition is demonstrated based on the diffuse interface assumption and is employed in contact line region. It has been validated by three benchmark problems: static droplet wetting on a flat surface and a curved surface, and dynamic capillary filling. Good performances are shown in all three cases. Relied on the strict validation to our scheme, the viscous fingering phenomenon of immiscible fluids displacement in a two-dimensional channel has been restudied in this paper. High viscosity ratio, wide range contact angle, accurate moving contact line and mutual independence between surface tension and viscosity are the obvious advantages of our model. We find the linear relationship between the contact angle and displacement velocity or variation of finger length. When the viscosity ratio is smaller than 20, the displacement velocity is increasing with increasing viscosity ratio and reducing capillary number, and when the viscosity ratio is larger than 20, the displacement velocity tends to a specific constant. A similar conclusion is obtained on the variation of finger length.