3D Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) Based Simulation of Water Impact Problem Using Navier-Stokes Computations

In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical investigation of dam-break and water entry problems with emphasis on the water impact loading is presented. Flow fields of incompressible viscous fluids are solved using unsteady Navier-Stokes equations (NS). Pseudo-time derivatives are introduced into the equations to improve computational efficiency. The interface between two phases is tracked using a volume-of-fluid (VOF) interface tracking algorithm developed in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system. The accuracy and capability of the numerical model for free surface flow simulations are demonstrated by using experiments of the dam-break flow over a horizontal dry bed. The water impact problem has been analyzed by free falling water entry of a hemisphere and a cone. Comparisons between the obtained solutions, the experimental data and the results of other numerical simulations in the literature are presented exhibiting good agreement.