An OpenFOAM solver for multiphase and turbulent flow

Abstract

In this work, an OpenFOAM-integrated numerical solver is developed using the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) to model incompressible multiphase and turbulent flow over a solid obstacle. The solver combines the pressure implicit split operator algorithm with the k–ω shear stress transport (k–ω SST) model for the velocity–pressure coupling in Navier–Stokes equations and resolving turbulent flow near the obstacle surface. To improve the performance of the solver, an adaptive mesh refinement scheme is developed for efficient mesh using the IBM. The problem of penetration of multiphase flow through the immersed boundary is considered and resolved with a method of modifying the forcing term at solid cells. The solver has been validated via benchmark problems and applied in the simulation of complicated fluid flow problems.