A coupled vaporization model based on temperature/species gradients for detailed numerical simulations using conservative level set method

This paper proposes a vaporization model for detailed numerical simulations of a reactive interface. The proposed model represents a preliminary attempt to combine vaporization models based on heat flux and species mass flux to take each model's advantages concerning numerical accuracy, robustness and applicability. We utilize a conservative level set method to reduce unphysical mass loss in capturing the deformable interface, and the ghost fluid method to accurately impose various jump conditions across the interface. Four validations are conducted to demonstrate both the strengths and limitations of the two original models. Since the vapor mass fraction is relevant in realistic applications, we add the species solver to the heat flux based model and assess the coupling strategy in different situations. The feasibility of switching between the two frameworks in the coupled vaporization model is also demonstrated. Finally, the coupled model is applied to simulations of deformable/moving droplet under high-ambient-temperature conditions. The results of the simulations are consistent with analytical and experimental data. Although additional work is required, the coupled vaporization model exhibits potential as a means for modeling spray combustion.