LBM-DEM modeling of particle-fluid interactions on active small solar bodies

School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

^★ Corresponding author; bincheng@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

Received: 27 February 2024
Accepted: 30 September 2024

Abstract

Context. Aeolian-like surface features observed on small Solar System bodies have piqued interest in their underlying formation mechanisms. Understanding the evolution of fluid-solid interactions is crucial for elucidating the nature of cometary activity.

Aims. We established a resolved fluid-particle simulation approach and implemented it into our self-developed DEMBody and LBM-Coupler codes to simulate the wind erosion process on comet 67P.

Methods. We developed this novel framework by applying the lattice Boltzmann method-discrete element method (LBM-DEM) in a low-gravity and rarefied atmosphere environment. The inter-particle forces were modeled using the Hertz contact model, friction, and cohesion. The fluid field was calculated by solving the lattice Boltzmann equations, which use the distribution function as the variable. The fluid-particle forces were modeled using the partially saturated cells method, in which the force is calculated based on the populations of the fluid cells occupied by the solid phase. We conducted 2D and 3D validation simulations and a series of simulations of a regolith layer as a preliminary application to validate the framework.

Results. The validation results of the drag coefficient under 2D and 3D conditions are in good agreement with previous theoretical and numerical estimates. Additionally, the wind erosion process on the surface of comet 67P is reproduced using the presented approach. This preliminary application show that the threshold velocity to initiate grain motion on comet 67P is about 25 m/s, which is consistent with the observations that sediment transport driven by winds frequently occurs near the perihelion of comet 67P.

Conclusions. The proposed LBM-DEM framework can be successively applied to simulate the fluid-solid interaction on small solar bodies that have extremely low-gravity and rarefied atmosphere environments. Future works based on this tool and focused on aeolian geologic landforms, such as sand dunes, can help us understand the dynamics of cometary activity.