Modeling multiphase flows using a novel 3D adaptive remeshing algorithm

A novel three-dimensional adaptive meshing algorithm is presented and applied to finite-element simulations of multiphase fluid flows. A three-dimensional domain enclosing another phase is discretized by an unstructured mesh of tetrahedra constructed from a triangulated surface of the phase boundaries. Complete remeshing is performed after each time step. The boundary mesh is reconstructed using an existing algorithm employing element addition/subtraction, edge swapping based on Delaunay triangulation and spring-like dynamical relaxation. The volume mesh is then generated from the boundary using the commercial software Hypermesh. The resulting adaptive discretization maintains resolution of prescribed local length scales. We demonstrate our method with finite-element simulations of deformable drops subjected to simple shear under Stokes flow conditions. Steady drop shapes in agreement with experimental data as well as the evolution of slender fluid filaments characteristic of drop breakup are accurately described.