CFD Prediction of Tandem Water Columns Aerobreakup Using Open-Source Codes

The present study addresses the comparison of two different novel open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes for the numerical simulation of the deformation and breakup of tandem water columns subjected to high-speed air flow. The computations are conducted using the code ECOGEN and a customized version of OpenFOAM. Both codes employ a volume-of-fluid interface-tracking method coupled with a higher-order finite-volume approach. Unlike some similar studies, viscous and capillary effects are taken into account. As to the computational setup, a virtual shock tube environment is arranged to accurately replicate the experimental conditions. The well-defined post-shock air flow conditions allow to model the post-impact dynamics, capturing key phenomena such as interface deformation, leading edge drift, and incipient breakup. A comparative analysis of the results highlights the strengths and limitations of each solver. Comparison of results with experimental observations indicates that while both codes capture the primary mechanism of aerobreakup, differences arise in the formation of early-stage instabilities and ligament stripping dynamics. By validating open-source codes against experimental observations, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing refinement of multiphase flow modeling tools.