Yost, Scott A*

Multi-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Modeling of Two-Phase Flow Applied to Geyser Phenomena in Urban Storm Sewer Systems

In the event of a large rainfall event the flow within an urban storm sewer network can quickly transition from open channel to pressurized flow. Pockets of pressurized air can form within the horizontal reaches of the system due to this transition. These discrete air pockets are released through vertical risers in the network and are the source of geyser events. There is a need for models that are capable of simulating the complicated interaction between air and water during geyser events. This work will advance upon a model that uses a two-phase numerical scheme for solving the Navier-Stokes equations as well as capturing the advance of the air-water interface. This scheme involves the use of projection method coupled with a volume of fluids solver. Proposed advancements include more accurate interface reconstruction schemes, the inclusion of surface tension effects, and the implementation of a more flexible outflow boundary condition. The Supercomputer Facility will be used to assist with the intense hydrodynamic modeling required for this work.

Computational Methods

A Navier-Stokes solver will be implemented which uses a fractional step projection method through an operator split scheme. Two phase interface reconstruction will be conducted using a volume of fluids algorithm.

Students:

Richard Shook

Software:

FORTRAN based Research Code
Visualization: TECPLOT

Collaborators:

Scott Yost (UK CE – advisor), Zhiyu Shannon Shao (Chongqing Univ), Tien-Mun Yee (Kennesaw State University)

Grants:

United States Geological Survey KWRRI Funding Support