Simulating multi-phase sloshing flows with the SPH method

Abstract

In this paper, the intense sloshing flow is simulated by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method successfully. First, the traditional SPH method is used for the simulation of sloshing process; and the obtained results for free surface shape and pressure evolution are in good agreement with the experimental data. Then, the δ-SPH method and particle shifting technique (PST) are introduced in the traditional SPH model to improve its stability and accuracy in simulating sloshing flow. Air phase does have an inescapable influence on water phase in intense sloshing process. Thus, an improved multiphase SPH model with pressure correction algorithm is utilized for interfacial sloshing simulation. The stability, accuracy and conservation of pressure correction algorithm are validated by the cases of hydrostatic test and dam breaking test. Besides, the comparison results show that unphysical pressure transmission at the interface between two fluids with large density ratio is effectively suppressed. Finally, the effect of air is considered in the multiphase flow simulation of sloshing process with presented multiphase δ-SPH and pressure correction utilized. The phenomenon that air phase is involved into inner water flow and then moves, rolls and rises in it is replicated accurately. It is found that both the shape of free surface and the air cavities during the slamming phase are well captured, which proves that the integrated multiphase SPH is effectively utilized for the simulation of such multiphase problem as sloshing.