An improved CIP-based numerical model for simulating free-surface flow with adaptive mesh

Abstract

In this paper, an improved CIP (constrained interpolation profile)-based numerical model, which combines with Afivo (Adaptive Finite Volume quadtree/Octree mesh, an adaptive mesh framework), has been presented to simulate free-surface flow. In the CIP-based model, the constrained interpolation profile (CIP) method, a high-order finite difference method, is employed as the base flow solver and THINC/SW (Tangent of Hyperbola for Interface Capturing with Slope Weighting) method, a volume of fluid method, is applied to capture the flow interface. In this present model, an adaptive mesh technique is introduced to reduce the computational cost and multigrid technique is used to improve the solution efficiency. In the adaptive mesh system, new spatial interpolation schemes are provided, which have better performance in mass conservation compared with schemes provided in Afivo. Lid-driven cavity flow test was carried out to validate the accuracy of the flow solver with adaptive mesh and two/three-dimensional interface benchmark tests were performed to test the reliability of the interface capturing scheme and spatial interpolation schemes. Then two/three-dimensional applications (dam-break flow case, tank sloshing case and dam-break flow over a rectangular obstacle case) were investigated to demonstrate the model accuracy. The numerical results were compared with the previous experimental and numerical results, and good agreements were observed. It is demonstrated that the present numerical model has good applicability in modeling the free-surface flow.