Direct numerical simulation of two-phase flows with surfactant-induced surface viscous effects

Abstract

Direct numerical simulations of interfacial flows with surfactant-induced complexities involving surface viscous stresses are performed within the framework of the Level Contour Reconstruction Method (LCRM); this hybrid front-tracking/level-set approach leverages the advantages of both methods. In addition to interface-confined surfactant transport that results in surface diffusion and Marangoni stresses, the interface, endowed with shear and dilatational viscosities; these act to resist deformation arising from velocity gradients in the plane of the two-dimensional manifold of the interface, and interfacial compressibility effects, respectively. By adopting the Boussinesq-Scriven constitutive model, We provide a mathematical formulation of these effects that accurately captures the interfacial mechanics, which is then implemented within the LCRM-based code by exploiting the benefits inherent to the underlying front-tracking/level-sets hybrid approach. We validate our numerical predictions against a number of benchmark cases that involve drops undergoing deformation when subjected to a flow field or when rising under the action of buoyancy. The results of these validation studies highlight the importance of adopting a rigorous approach in modelling the interfacial dynamics. We also present results that demonstrate the effects of surface viscous stresses on interfacial deformation in unsteady parametric surface waves and atomisation events.