Accuracy of the lattice boltzmann method for small Knudsen number with finite Reynolds number

The asymptotic theory proposed by Sone [in Rarefied Gas Dynamics, edited by D. Dini (Editrice Tecnico Scientifica, Pisa, 1971), p. 737] is applied to the investigation of the accuracy of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for small Knudsen number with finite Reynolds number. The S-expansion procedure of the asymptotic theory is applied to LBM with the nine-velocity model and fluid-dynamic type equations are obtained. From the fluid-dynamic type equations it is found that by using the LBM we can obtain the macroscopic flow velocities and the pressure gradient for incompressible fluid with relative errors of O(epsilon'(2)) where epsilon' is a modified Knudsen number which is of the same order as the lattice spacing and is related to a dimensionless relaxation time. In two problems, the Couette flow with flow injection and suction through porous walls and a three-dimensional flow through a square duct, the accuracy of LBM is examined for relaxation times between 0.8 and 1.7 and the validity of the asymptotic theory for LBM is shown. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.