Coupled SPH–FV method with net vorticity and mass transfer

Recently, an algorithm for coupling a Finite Volume (FV) method, that discretize the Navier–Stokes equations on block structured Eulerian grids, with the weakly-compressible Lagrangian Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) was presented in [16]. The algorithm takes advantage of the SPH method to discretize flow regions close to free-surfaces and of the FV method to resolve the bulk flow and the wall regions. The continuity between the two solutions is guaranteed by overlapping zones. Here we extend the algorithm by adding the possibility to have: 1) net mass transfer between the SPH and FV sub-domains; 2) free-surface across the overlapping region. In this context, particle generation at common boundaries is required to prevent depletion or clustering of particles. This operation is not trivial, because consistency between the Lagrangian and Eulerian description of the flow must be retained to ensure mass conservation. We propose here a new coupling paradigm that extends the algorithm developed in [16] and renders it suitable to test cases where vorticity and free surface significantly pass from one domain to the other. On the SPH side, a novel technique for the creation/deletion of particle was developed. On the FV side, the information recovered from the SPH solver are exploited to improve free surface prediction in a fashion that resemble the Particle Level-Set algorithms. The combination of the two new features was tested and validated in a number of test cases where both vorticity and front evolution are important. Convergence and robustness of the algorithm are shown. •A SPH/FV coupling strategy has been extended to address complex free-surface flows.•SPH is used close to free-surfaces and FV in the bulk of the flow and wall regions.•Net mass fluxes and free-surfaces across the coupling interface are addressed.•New algorithms for particle creation and a SPH-driven Level-Set approach are proposed.•Good results are obtained also when vorticity and free-surface transfer is important