A particle finite element method based on Level–Set functions

Abstract

Since the seminal work of Idelsohn, Oñate and Del-Pin (2004), the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) has relied on a Delaunay triangulation and the Alpha–Shape (AS) algorithm in the remeshing process. This approach guarantees a good quality of the Lagrangian mesh, but introduces a list of shortcomings that demand geometrical treatments tailored to each problem. In order to improve the remeshing process in PFEM, this work proposes the use of a Level–Set (LS) function instead of the Alpha–Shape algorithm. Since the Level–Set considers the boundary of the fluid and its interior, and not only a geometric criterion as does the Alpha–Shape, the proposed strategy (PFEM–LS) shows more robustness than the classical approach (PFEM–AS) owing to three main improvements. First, the LS function allows for a better control over the elements that are created during the fluid/fluid contact, which helps to reduce mass creation. Second, it helps to preserve the smoothness of the free surface and to reduce mass loss. Third, it allows the meshing of solitary particles that are detached from the free surface, which improves the representation of drops in PFEM. The methodology is presented and validated using free surface flow problems in 2D.