Comparison of the local front reconstruction method with a diffuse interface model for the modeling of droplet collisions. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rajkotwala, A.H.; Gelissen, E.J.; Peters, E.A.J.F.; Baltussen, M.W.; van der Geld, C.W.M.; Kuerten, J.G.M.; Kuipers, J.A.M.
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 7(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Droplet collisions -- Front tracking -- Local front reconstruction method -- Diffuse interface model; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; 660.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cesx.2020.100066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-1400

Abstract

Highlights: 3D simulations of droplet collisions at high Weber numbers. Detailed comparison of Local Front Recontruction method and Diffuse Interface Model. Analysis of energy transfer and dissipation processes during the collision. An overall good agreement between the results of two simulation methods. Abstract: In the present study the authors compare two different simulation models for the modeling of droplet collisions. The simulation models are: the Local Front Reconstruction Method (LFRM) and the Diffuse Interface Model (DIM). Results for fully three-dimensional simulations of droplet collisions at relatively high Weber number simulated with both models are presented and compared. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the dissipation and energy transfer processes of the collision is presented. An overall good agreement is seen in the collision outcomes. Some differences are observed in the interface evolution and the energy transfer/dissipation process during the droplet collision. A significant portion of these differences can be attributed to the differences in the configuration of the initial velocity field. Therefore, for the initial configuration a divergence-free vortical velocity field is introduced to achieve a better match between the simulation models. This improves the agreement of the simulation results.