The lattice Boltzmann method is modified to allow the simulation of non-Newtonian shear-dependent viscosity models. Casson and Carreau-Yasuda non-Newtonian blood viscosity models are implemented and are used to compare two-dimensional Newtonian and non-Newtonian flows in the context of simple steady flow and oscillatory flow in straight and curved pipe geometries. It is found that compared to analogous Newtonian flows, both the Casson and Carreau-Yasuda flows exhibit significant differences in the steady flow situation. In the straight pipe oscillatory flows, both models exhibit differences in velocity and shear, with the largest differences occurring at low Reynolds and Womersley numbers. Larger differences occur for the Casson model. In the curved pipe Carreau-Yasuda model, moderate differences are observed in the velocities in the central regions of the geometries, and the largest shear rate differences are observed near the geometry walls. These differences may be important for the study of atherosclerotic progression.

In this paper we consider the introduction of a body force, in the incompressible limit, into the lattice Boltzmann model. A number of methods are considered and their suitability to our objectives determined. When there is no density variation across the fluid, gravity can be introduced in the form of an altered pressure gradient. This method correctly satisfies the Navier-Stokes equation; however, if there is a non-negligible density variation present (produced by the body force or otherwise) this method becomes less accurate as the density variation increases and the constant density approximation becomes less valid. Three other methods are also considered for application when there is a non-negligible density variation. The equations of motion satisfied by these models are found up to second order in the Knudsen number and it is seen that only one of these methods satisfies the true Navier-Stokes equation. Numerical simulations are performed to compare the different models and to assess the range of application of each.

As renewable energy production is intermittent, its application creates uncertainty in the level of supply. As a result, integrating an energy storage system (ESS) into renewable energy systems could be an effective strategy to provide energy systems with economic, technical, and environmental benefits. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) has been realized in a variety of ways over the past decades. As a mechanical energy storage system, CAES has demonstrated its clear potential amongst all energy storage systems in terms of clean storage medium, high lifetime scalability, low self-discharge, long discharge times, relatively low capital costs, and high durability. However, its main drawbacks are its long response time, low depth of discharge, and low roundtrip efficiency (RTE). This paper provides a comprehensive review of CAES concepts and compressed air storage (CAS) options, indicating their individual strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the paper provides a comprehensive reference for planning and integrating different types of CAES into energy systems. Finally, the limitations and future perspectives of CAES are discussed.

A second-order accurate lattice Boltzmann model is presented for non- Newtonian flow. The non-Newtonian nature of the flow is implemented using a power law model. This is used to enable the accuracy of the model to be assessed and is not a limitation of the model. The second-order accuracy is demonstrated for a range of power law model parameter values representing shear thinning and shear thickening fluids. These results are compared with those of Gabbanelli et al (2006 Phys. Rev. E 72 046312) and it is noted that a higher order of accuracy and greater computational efficiency are achieved. These results demonstrate the suitability of the LBM for shear-dependent non- Newtonian flow simulations.

We consider the application of the lattice Boltzmann BGK model to simulate sound waves in situations where the density variation is small compared to the mean density. Linear sound waves are simulated in two dierent situations: a plane wave propagating in an unbound region; and a wave in a tube. For both cases the behaviour of the simulated waves is found to be in good agreement with analytic expressions. Non-linear sound waves are also simulated and are seen to display the expected features.

In this study the applicability of the lattice Boltzmann method to oscillatory channel flow with a zero mean velocity has been evaluated. The model has been compared to exact analytical solutions in the laminar case (Reδ < 100, where Reδ is the Reynolds number based on the Stokes layer) for the Womersley parameter 1 < α < 31. In this regime, there was good agreement between numerical and exact analytical solutions. The model was then applied to study the primary instability of oscillatory channel flow with a zero mean velocity. For these transitionary flows the parameters were varied in the range 400 < Reδ < 1000 and 4 < α < 16. Disturbances superimposed on the numerical solution triggered the two-dimensional primary instability. This phenomenon has not been numerically evaluated over the range of α or Reδ currently investigated. The results are consistent with quasi-steady linear stability theories and previous numerical investigations.