Computing three-dimensional two-phase flows with a mass-conserving level set method

A method is described to compute three- dimensional two-phase flow, allowing large density ratios and coalescence and break-up of bubbles. The level set method is used to describe interfaces, and the volume-of-fluid method is used to ensure mass conservation. Efficiency in computing the interface dynamics is achieved by using a functional relation between the level set and volume-of-fluid functions. Difficulties and remedies in re-initialization of the level set function and inaccurate compution of surface tension are discussed. Test cases for validation are described, and demanding two-bubble computations to show the generality and the versatility of the method are presented.