Liquid atomization and spray formation are ubiquitous processes in nature as well as engineered system. Predicting droplet size distributions from first principle simulations presents a fantastic challenge due to the wide range of scales involved in topology change. In this talk, we present new developments to the geometric volume of fluid method that enable the tracking of sub-grid scale interfacial features. By reconstructing the interface with multiple planar surfaces or with paraboloid surfaces, we show that ligaments and sheets can be represented accurately independently of mesh resolution while preserving exact conservation, good computational efficiency, and easy integration with finite-volume-based flow solvers. A consequence of such strategies is that lack of mesh resolution no longer induces topology change, which then needs to be reintroduced explicitly using physics-based models. We discuss various flavors of such models in the context of the break-up of thin liquid films, a common feature in aerodynamic liquid atomization.


Bio: Prof. Desjardins' research focuses on large-scale numerical modeling of turbulent reacting multiphase flows with industrial application. Using world-class parallel computers, his group develops numerical methods and models to investigate the multi-scale and multi-physics fluid mechanics problems that arise in a range of engineering devices, such as combustors or biomass reactors.

High-fidelity computational techniques such as large-eddy simulations and direct numerical simulations are at the heart of Dr. Desjardins' research. By enabling the exploration of complex non-linear flow physics from first principles, these techniques have the potential to guide the development of highly optimized energy and propulsion systems.