Open Access

ARTICLE

A Generalized Level Set-Navier Stokes Numerical Method for Predicting Thermo-Fluid Dynamics of Turbulent Free Surface

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Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2012, 83(6), 599-638. https://doi.org/10.3970/cmes.2012.083.599

Abstract

In the present paper, a new generalized level set numerical method based on the Fast Marching Method is developed for predicting the moving interface thermo-fluid dynamics in turbulent free surface flows. The numerical method is devoted to predict the turbulent interfacial dynamics resulting from either aerodynamic force or thermocapillary effects. The unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) and energy equation are coupled with the level set method and solved separately in each phase using the finite volume method on a non-staggered grid system. The application of the fast marching technique enables the fast as well as the accurate transport of the moving interface via the extension velocity algorithm and provides, simultaneously, robust and precise modeling of the interfacial normal and tangential stresses resulting from surface curvature and Marangoni effects, respectively. The Reynolds stresses are estimated by solving the standard two-equation k-e turbulence model. A wide range of validation and benchmark cases in different flow regimes are performed and their results are compared with the previous published data in order to assist the accuracy of the developed numerical method. In general, the developed numerical method indicates a remarkable capability in predicting the interfacial thermo-fluid dynamics of moving interfaces in different free surface flow problems encountered in a wide range of industrial and engineering applications.

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