We present an alternative three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann collision operator consisting of a nonorthogonal basis of central moments. Our formulation is characterized by an intelligible derivation with a relatively simple and quite general implementation. It is successfully validated against several established, well-consolidated, well-defined benchmark problems, showing excellent properties in terms of accuracy and convergence. If compared to the adoption of the classical Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook operator, our model possesses superior stability.

The cascaded or central-moments-based lattice Boltzmann method (CM-LBM) is a robust alternative to the more conventional Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK)-LBM for the simulation of high-Reynolds number flows. Unfortunately, its original formulation makes its extension to a broader range of physics quite difficult. In addition, it relies on CMs that are derived in an adhoc manner, i.e., by mimicking those of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to ensure their Galilean invariance a posteriori. The present work aims at tackling both issues by deriving Galilean invariant CMs in a systematic and a priori manner thanks to the Hermite polynomial expansion framework. More specifically, the proposed formalism fully takes advantage of the D3Q27 discretization by relying on the corresponding set of 27 Hermite polynomials (up to the sixth-order) for the derivation of both the discrete equilibrium state and the forcing term in an a priori manner. Furthermore, while keeping the numerical properties of the original CM-LBM, the present work leads to a compact and simple algorithm, representing a universal methodology based on CMs and external forcing within the lattice Boltzmann framework. To support these statements, mathematical derivations and a comparative study with four other forcing schemes are provided. The universal nature of the proposed methodology is eventually proved through the simulation of single phase, multiphase (using both pseudo-potential and color-gradient formulations), as well as, magnetohydrodynamic flows.

The cascaded lattice Boltzmann method decomposes the collision stage on a basis of central moments on which the equilibrium state is assumed equal to that of the continuous Maxwellian distribution. Such a relaxation process is usually considered as an assumption, which is then justified a posteriori by showing the enhanced Galilean invariance of the resultant algorithm. An alternative method is to relax central moments to the equilibrium state of the discrete second-order truncated distribution. In this paper, we demonstrate that relaxation to the continuous Maxwellian distribution is equivalent to the discrete counterpart if higher-order (up to sixth) Hermite polynomials are used to construct the equilibrium when the D3Q27 lattice velocity space is considered. Therefore, a theoretical a priori justification of the choice of the continuous distribution is formally provided for the first time.

Within the framework of the central-moment-based lattice Boltzmann method, we propose a strategy to account for external forces in two and three dimensions. Its numerical properties are evaluated against consolidated benchmark problems, highlighting very high accuracy and optimal convergence. Moreover, our derivations are light and intelligible.

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