Numerical simulation of three‐dimensional interfacial flows

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present compatible computational fluid dynamics procedure for calculation of incompressible three‐dimensional time‐dependent flow with complicated free surface deformation. A computer software is developed and validated using a variety of academic test cases.

Design/methodology/approach

Two fluids are modeled as a single continuum with a fluid property jump at the interface by solving a scalar transport equation for volume fraction. In conjunction, the conservation equations for mass and momentum are solved using fractional step method. Here, a finite volume discretisation and colocated arrangement are used.

Findings

The developed code results in accurate simulation of interfacial flows, e.g. Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, sloshing and dambreaking problems. All results are in good concordance with experimental data especially when there are two phases with high density ratio.

Research limitations/implications

Turbulence, which has great importance in a wide variety of real world phenomena, is not considered in the present formulation and left for future researches.

Originality/value

Here, an integrated numerical simulation for transient interfacial flows is presented. In this way, the pressure integral term in Navier‐Stokes equation is discretised based on a newly developed interpolation which results in non‐oscillative velocity field especially in free surface.

Citation

Jahanbakhsh, E., Panahi, R. and Seif, M.S. (2007), "Numerical simulation of three‐dimensional interfacial flows", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 384-404. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530710739167