Sedimentation analysis of small ice crystals by Lattice Boltzmann Method

Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is used to simulate and analyze the sedimentation of small ($15-80 \,\mu m$) columnar ice particles in the atmosphere. We are specially interested in evaluating the terminal falling velocity of columnar ice crystals with hexagonal cross section. The main objective is to apply the LBM to solve ice crystal sedimentation problems. This numerical method is evaluated as a powerful numerical tool to solve ice crystal sedimentation problems in a variety of sizes. LBM results are presented in comparison with laboratory experimental results and theoretical approaches well known in the literature. The numerical results show good agreement with experimental and theoretical results for the analyzed geometrical configurations.