Calculation of droplet deformation by surface tension effects using the level set method

A. Balabel, B. Binninger, Marcus Herrmann, N. Peters

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new numerical model based on the level set method is developed for computing unsteady droplet internal flows. The level set is used for capturing and tracking the interface, which is defined as the zero level set of a continuous function. The surface tension is treated as a boundary value condition on the interface, which, through the Young-Laplace equation, determines the pressure jump across the interface. The proposed numerical model is used to simulate oscillation/deformation of an initially elongated neutrally buoyant droplet in an otherwise quiescent fluid under surface tension effects only. Theoretical models for linear droplet oscillation processes are presented and are used to provide a definitive check on the numerical model's accuracy. Nonlinear oscillations are also discussed. Good agreement between theory and numerical simulation is obtained.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)257-278
Number of pages22
JournalCombustion Science and Technology
Volume174
Issue number11-12
StatePublished - Nov 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Drop
  • Level set
  • Surface tension
  • Two-phase flow

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Fuel Technology
  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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