Cumulant lattice Boltzmann simulations of turbulent flow above rough surfaces

Abstract In this article, the applicability of the cumulant lattice Boltzmann method (CuLBM) to simulate boundary layer flow above rough surfaces is investigated. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible and Newtonian and its flow is investigated under isothermal conditions above surfaces with small obstacles. The results obtained by the CuLBM are confronted with the results of a reference finite difference-based simulator and with the datasets from wind-tunnel experiments. Both comparisons indicate good agreement and suitability of the lattice Boltzmann method for these types of problems.