Towards a Comprehensive Numerical Scheme for Simulating Incompressible Two-Phase Flows

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive numerical scheme for simulating incompressible two-phase flows, integrating finite volume and volume of fluid methods with advanced interface reconstruction and stress calculation techniques.

Contribution

It presents a novel, consistent scheme for spatial discretization and interface reconstruction in two-phase flow simulations, improving accuracy and physical fidelity.

Findings

Accurate interface reconstruction using second-order surface approximation.

Consistent calculation of surface tension forces based on local interface geometry.

Effective integration of mass conservation and stress contributions in the numerical scheme.

Abstract

A comprehensive scheme for the spatial discretisation of continuity equation, momentum advection and normal and shear stresses at the fluid interfaces is presented for numerically simulating the incompressible two phase flows based on the finite volume and volume of fluid methods. The scheme uses the mass conservation for the advection of the interface between the two fluids, physical considerations in determining the momentum flux at the surfaces of the finite volume so that it is consistent with that for the advection of the interfaces, and correctly accounts for the contributions to the normal and shear stresses from the viscosities of the two fluids. An interface reconstruction method is also presented, which approximates the local interface by a second order surface. The reconstruction method is based on the local average height function. It is linear and mathematically consistent. The force due to the surface tension is calculated based on the local surface area, curvature and unit normal of the interface which can all be calculated analytically from the reconstructed interface.