Direct van der Waals simulation (DVS) of phase-transforming fluids

Abstract

We present the method of Direct van der Waals simulation (DVS) to study computationally flows with liquid-vapor phase transformations. Our approach is based on a novel discretization of the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations, that couple flow dynamics with van der Waals' non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory of phase transformations, and opens an opportunity for first-principles simulation of a wide range of boiling and cavitating flows. The proposed algorithm enables unprecedented simulations of the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations involving cavitating flows at strongly under-critical conditions and $\mathcal{O}(10^5)$ Reynolds number. The proposed technique provides a pathway for fundamental understanding of phase-transforming flows with multiple applications in science, engineering, and medicine.