There are numerous flow phenomena in pressure vessel and piping systems that involve the dynamics of free fluid surfaces. For example, fluid interfaces must be considered during the draining or filling of tanks, in the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles, and in seismically shaken vessels that are partially filled. To aid in the analysis of these types of flow phenomena, a new technique has been developed for the computation of complicated free-surface motions. This technique is based on the concept of a local average volume of fluid (VOF) and is embodied in a computer program for two-dimensional, transient fluid flow called SOLA-VOF. The basic approach used in the VOF technique is briefly described, and compared to other free-surface methods. Specific capabilities of the SOLA-VOF program are illustrated by generic examples of bubble growth and collapse, flows of immiscible fluid mixtures, and the confinement of spilled liquids.
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Research Papers
A Computational Method for Free Surface Hydrodynamics
C. W. Hirt,
C. W. Hirt
Theoretical Division, Group T-3, University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, N. Mex. 87545
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B. D. Nichols
B. D. Nichols
Theoretical Division, Group T-3, University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, N. Mex. 87545
Search for other works by this author on:
C. W. Hirt
Theoretical Division, Group T-3, University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, N. Mex. 87545
B. D. Nichols
Theoretical Division, Group T-3, University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, N. Mex. 87545
J. Pressure Vessel Technol. May 1981, 103(2): 136-141 (6 pages)
Published Online: May 1, 1981
Article history
Received:
October 6, 1980
Online:
November 5, 2009
Citation
Hirt, C. W., and Nichols, B. D. (May 1, 1981). "A Computational Method for Free Surface Hydrodynamics." ASME. J. Pressure Vessel Technol. May 1981; 103(2): 136–141. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3263378
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