Computations of multiphase flows with surface tension using an adaptive finite element method

An adaptive finite element method for solving incompressible steady-state a xisymmetric free surface flow problems is presented. While the methodology is applicable to most types of multiphase flows, ive are particularly inter ested in modeling laminar free surface flows such as free and impinging jet s, which are usually modeled in a Lagrangian framework. An Eulerian strateg y is used to capture the interface. Surface tension is included in the mode l in order to study its influence on the topology of the free surface. A st abilized finite element discretization is used to help solve the coupled sy stem of partial differential equations. An adaptive methodology helps optim ize the accuracy of the computed solution. The proposed adaptive free surfa ce capturing methodology is competitive with interface tracking techniques, while being more flexible. The verification and validation of the methodol ogy completes the article.