The evaluation of the diffuse interface method for phase change simulations using OpenFOAM

In the present study, a new solver named phaseChangeHeatFoam is implemented on the OpenFOAM cfd package to simulate boiling and condensation. The solver is capturing the interface between two immiscible phases with a color function volume of fluid (CF‐VOF) method. The two fluids (vapor and liquid) are assumed Newtonian and incompressible. The surface tension is modeled with continuous surface force (CSF) which is improved with a Lafaurie filter to suppress the spurious current. The mass flux across the interface in the phase change process is determined by either Lee or Tanasawa mass transfer models. Additionally, the slight variation of saturation temperature with local pressure is considered with the simplified Clausius–Clapeyron relation. The coupled velocity pressure equation is solved using the PIMPLE algorithm. The new solver is validated and examined with (i) Stefan problem, (ii) two‐dimensional film boiling, (iii) the film condensation on a horizontal plate, (iv) the laminar film condensation over a vertical plate, and (v) bubble condensation in subcooled boiling. The present study shows the capability of a diffuse interface method in accurate simulation of the phase change process and it is expected to be instructive for further numerical studies in this area.