Study on solving performance of VOSET + IDEAL with different algebraic equation solution methods

Abstract

A method that combines VOSET and IDEAL was previously presented by the present authors for computing incompressible two-phase flow and heat transfer problems. The technique could provide an accurate calculation of a high-resolution phase interface. However, this method still has a considerable computational burden for complex transient two-phase flow and heat transfer problems. Therefore, to further optimize VOSET + IDEAL, the effects of five different algebraic equation solution methods (G-S point iteration, ADI, SIP, Bi-CGSTAB, and BCT-Bi-CGSTAB) on the solving performance of VOSET + IDEAL are analyzed using three typical two-phase examples. It can be concluded that: (1) the convergence rate of VOSET + IDEAL could be sped up as the efficiency of the algebraic equation solution methods improves, which is very different from the steady flow and heat transfer problems; (2) BCT-Bi-CGSTAB is the most efficient way among the five algebraic equation solution methods for increasing the convergence rate of VOSET + IDEAL. The research results can guide developing a more efficient way of simulating two-phase flows.