A CFD framework for evaporating fuel droplets in a gravity field

A comprehensive CFD model for the simulation of evaporating droplets under gravity conditions is here presented. The model is based on the Volume Of Fluid (VOF) methodology [1], which allows an accurate tracking of the gas-liquid interface with excellent mass conservation properties. The whole flow and temperature field are given by a single momentum and energy equation valid for both phases. Three numerical simulations are presented: an assessment of mass conservation of the CFD code and a comparison between the absence and the presence of a gravity field in the evaporation of a n-heptane droplet. A final section on the presence of internal recirculation in the liquid phase is also presented.