scholarly journals Coalescence Prevention Algorithm for Level Set Method

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Talley ◽  
Matthew D. Zimmer ◽  
Igor A. Bolotnov
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Liquid Film ◽  
Level Set ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Surface Tension Force ◽  
Bubble Coalescence ◽  
Film Drainage ◽  
Drainage Time ◽  
Computational Mesh ◽  
Mesh Resolution

An algorithm to prevent or delay bubble coalescence for the level set (LS) method is presented. This novel algorithm uses the LS method field to detect when bubbles are in close proximity, indicating a potential coalescence event, and applies a repellent force to simulate the unresolved liquid drainage force. The model is introduced by locally modifying the surface tension force near the liquid film drainage area. The algorithm can also simulate the liquid drainage time of the thin film by controlling the length of time the increased surface tension has been applied. Thus, a new method of modeling bubble coalescence has been developed. Several test cases were designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the algorithm. The simulations, including a mesh study, confirmed the abilities to identify and prevent coalescence as well as implement the time tracking portion, with an additional 10–25% computational cost. Ongoing tests aim to verify the algorithm's functionality for simulations with different flow conditions, a ranging number of bubbles, and both structured and unstructured computational mesh types. Specifically, a bubble rising toward a free surface provides a test of performance and demonstrates the ability to consistently prevent coalescence. In addition, a two bubble case and a seven bubble case provide a more complex demonstration of how the algorithm performs for larger simulations. These cases are compared to much more expensive simulations capable of resolving the liquid film drainage (through very high local mesh resolution) to investigate how the algorithm replicates the liquid film drainage process.

Coalescence Prevention Algorithm for Level Set Method

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Talley ◽  
Matthew D. Zimmer ◽  
Igor A. Bolotnov
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Liquid Film ◽  
Level Set ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Bubble Coalescence ◽  
Interface Tracking ◽  
Film Drainage ◽  
Bubble Interaction

The application of interface tracking methods to bubbly flow modeling has grown in recent years due to improvements in computing performance and development of more efficient solvers. However, the standard formulation of most interface tracking methods is not designed to physically handle the interface interactions at reasonable grid sizes. Regardless of the method used, a high grid resolution is required in the liquid film region in order to properly model drainage process during bubble interaction, which in certain conditions prevents the coalescence. This makes large scale (many bubbles) simulations unaffordable. One of the popular interface tracking approached is the level-set (LS) method. To simulate realistic bubble coalescence behavior in the LS method an algorithm with the capability of delaying or preventing the process of multiple simultaneous coalescence events has been developed. Bubble interaction plays a significant role in high void fraction flow behavior and affects the transition to other flow regimes (e.g. churn-turbulent or slug flows). The described algorithm allows to improve the accuracy of predicting coalescence events in these relevant cases and has been tested in a variety of conditions and computational meshes. This novel algorithm uses the LS method field to detect when bubbles are in close proximity, indicating a potential coalescence event, and applies a subgrid scale force to simulate the unresolved liquid drainage force. The subgrid-model is introduced by locally modifying the surface tension force near the liquid film drainage area. The algorithm can also simulate the liquid drainage time of the thin film by controlling the length of time the increased surface tension has been applied. Thus a new method of modeling bubble coalescence has been developed. Several test cases were designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the algorithm. The simulations, including a mesh study, confirmed the abilities to identify and prevent coalescence as well as implement the time tracking portion, with an additional 10–25% computational cost. Ongoing tests aim to verify the algorithm’s functionality for simulations with different flow conditions, a ranging number of bubbles, and both structured and unstructured computational mesh types. Specifically, a bubble rising towards a free surface provides a test of performance and demonstrates the ability to consistently prevent coalescence. In addition, a two bubble case and a seven bubble case provide a more complex demonstration of how the algorithm performs for larger simulations. These cases are compared to much more expensive simulations capable of resolving the liquid film drainage (through very high local mesh resolution), to investigate how the algorithm replicates the liquid film drainage process.

scholarly journals Comparison of Surface Tension Models for the Volume of Fluid Method

Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurian J. Vachaparambil ◽  
Kristian Etienne Einarsrud
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Multiphase Flow ◽  
Capillary Rise ◽  
Surface Tension Force ◽  
Surface Force ◽  
Parallel Plates ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Mesh Resolution ◽  
Active Research ◽  
Spurious Currents

With the increasing use of Computational Fluid Dynamics to investigate multiphase flow scenarios, modelling surface tension effects has been a topic of active research. A well known associated problem is the generation of spurious velocities (or currents), arising due to inaccuracies in calculations of the surface tension force. These spurious currents cause nonphysical flows which can adversely affect the predictive capability of these simulations. In this paper, we implement the Continuum Surface Force (CSF), Smoothed CSF and Sharp Surface Force (SSF) models in OpenFOAM. The models were validated for various multiphase flow scenarios for Capillary numbers of 10 − 3 –10. All the surface tension models provide reasonable agreement with benchmarking data for rising bubble simulations. Both CSF and SSF models successfully predicted the capillary rise between two parallel plates, but Smoothed CSF could not provide reliable results. The evolution of spurious current were studied for millimetre-sized stationary bubbles. The results shows that SSF and CSF models generate the least and most spurious currents, respectively. We also show that maximum time step, mesh resolution and the under-relaxation factor used in the simulations affect the magnitude of spurious currents.

Prediction of the Condensation Coefficient on Horizontal Integral-Fin Tubes

1985 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Webb ◽  
T. M. Rudy ◽  
M. A. Kedzierski
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Surface Tension Force ◽  
Tension Force ◽  
Condensation Coefficient ◽  
Film Drainage ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Experimental Values ◽  
Fin Tubes

A theoretical model is developed for prediction of the condensation coefficient on horizontal integral-fin tubes for both high and low surface tension fluids. The model includes the effects of surface tension on film drainage and on condensate retention between the fins. First, the fraction of the tube circumference that is flooded with condensate is calculated. Typically, the condensation coefficient in the flooded region is negligible compared to that of the unflooded region. Then the condensation coefficient on the unflooded portion is calculated, assuming that surface tension force drains the condensate from the fins. The model is used to predict the R-11 condensation coefficient on horizontal, integral-fin tubes having 748, 1024, and 1378 fpm. The predicted values are within ±20 percent of the experimental values.

Computation of a Propagating Interface in Multiphase Flows Using an Adaptive Coupled Level Set Method

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruquan Liang ◽  
Satoru Komori
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Level Set Method ◽  
Level Set ◽  
Multiphase Flows ◽  
Surface Tension Force ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
Passive Transport ◽  
Effect Of Surface ◽  
Good Agreement ◽  
Numerical Strategy

We present a numerical strategy for a propagating interface in multiphase flows using a level set method combined with a local mesh adaptative technique. We use the level set method to move the propagating interface in multiphase flows. We also use the local mesh adaptative technique to increase the grid resolution at regions near the propagating interface and additionally at the regions near points of high curvature with a minimum of additional expense. For illustration, we apply the adaptive coupled level set method to a collection of bubbles moving under passive transport. Good agreement has been obtained in the comparision of the numerical results for the collection of bubbles using an adaptative grid with those using a single grid. We also apply the adaptive coupled level set method to a droplet falling on a step where it is important to accurately model the effect of surface tension force and the motion of the free-surface, and the numerical results agree very closely with available data.

Numerical Study on Impingement of a Droplet upon a Liquid Film

2010 ◽  
Vol 44-47 ◽  
pp. 2499-2503
Author(s):  
Hong Liu ◽  
Mao Zhao Xie ◽  
Su Chun Wang ◽  
Ming Jia
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Liquid Film ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Surface Tension Force ◽  
Surface Force ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Initial Kinetic Energy ◽  
Droplet Impingement ◽  
Fine Grid

This paper reports progress in the numerical simulations of a droplet impingement upon the wall film of the same liquid. The full Navier-Stokes equations are solved in axisymmetric formulation. The surface tension force is modeled by a continuum surface force (CSF) model. An adapting local refinement technique is used to provide the fine grid coupled by the volume-of fluid (VOF) method for tracking the interface between the gas and the droplet and liquid film. Results indicate that the motion behavior of droplet impingement upon the liquid film is dominantly influenced by the initial kinetic energy and the thickness of the film as well as the surface tension and the liquid viscosity.

On methods to reduce spurious currents within VOF solver frameworks. Part 1: a review of the static bubble/droplet

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Inguva ◽  
Andreas Schulz ◽  
Eugeny Y. Kenig
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Aqueous Phase ◽  
Level Set ◽  
Capillary Number ◽  
Classical Case ◽  
Surface Tension Force ◽  
Artificial Viscosity ◽  
Special Treatment ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Spurious Currents

AbstractIn two-phase flows in which the Capillary number is low, errors in the computation of the surface tension force at the interface cause Front-Capturing methods such as Volume of Fluid (VOF) and Level-Set (LS) to develop interfacial spurious currents. To better solve low Capillary number flows, special treatment is required to reduce such spurious currents. Smoothing the phase indicator field to more accurately compute the curvature or adding interfacial artificial viscosity are techniques that can treat this problem. This study explores OpenFOAM, Fluent and StarCCM+ VOF solvers for the classical case of a static bubble/droplet immersed in a continuous aqueous phase, with the focus on the ability of these solvers to adequately reduce spurious currents. The results are expected to be helpful for practicing chemical engineers who use multiphase CFD solvers in their work.

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