Modelling merging and fragmentation in multiphase flows with SURFER (Q1335606)

We introduce a new numerical method, called ``SURFER'', for the simulation of two- and three-dimensional flows with several fluid phases and free interfaces between them. We consider incompressible fluids obeying the Navier-Stokes equation with Newtonian viscosity in the bulk of each phase. Capillary forces are taken into account even when interfaces merge or break up. The Navier-Stokes equation is solved using staggered finite differences on a MAC grid and a split-explicit time differencing scheme, while incompressibility is enforced using an iterative multigrid Poisson solver. Simulations of droplets pairs colliding in two dimensions and three dimensions are shown. Interface reconnection is performed easily, despite the large value of capillary forces during reconnection.