Direct Numerical Simulation of an Open-Cell Metallic Foam through Lattice Boltzmann Method

In this paper Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) has been used in order to perform Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) for porous media analysis. Among the different configurations of porous media, open cell metallic foams are gaining a key role for a large number of applications, like heat exchangers for high performance cars or aeronautic components as well. Their structure allows improving heat transfer process with fruitful advantages for packaging issues and size reduction. In order to better understand metallic foam capabilities, a random sphere generation code has been implemented and fluid-dynamic simulations have been carried out by means of a kinetic approach. After having defined a computational domain the Reynolds number influence has been studied with the aim of characterizing both pressure drop and friction factor throughout a finite foam volume. In order to validate the proposed model, a comparison analysis with experimental data has been carried out too.