Pseudopotential Lattice Boltzmann Method Simulation of Boiling Heat Transfer at Different Reduced Temperatures

Boiling heat transfer plays a crucial role in various engineering applications, requiring accurate numerical modeling to capture phase-change dynamics. This study employs the pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to simulate boiling heat transfer at different reduced temperatures, aiming to provide deeper insights into bubble dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms. The LBM framework incorporates a multi-relaxation-time approach and the Peng–Robinson equation of state to enhance numerical stability and thermodynamic consistency. Simulations were performed to analyze bubble nucleation, growth, and detachment across varying reduced temperatures, considering the influence of surface wettability, surface tension and gravitational acceleration. The results indicate a strong dependence of bubble behavior on the reduced temperature, affecting both heat flux and boiling regimes. The numerical findings show reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions and experimental trends, validating the effectiveness of the LBM approach for phase-change simulations. Additionally, this study highlights the role of contact angle variation in modifying boiling characteristics, emphasizing the necessity of accurate surface interaction modeling. The outcomes of this work contribute to advancing computational methodologies for boiling heat transfer, supporting improved thermal management in industrial applications.