Development and implementation of VOF-PROST for 3D viscoelastic liquid–liquid simulations

We implement a volume-of-fluid algorithm with a parabolic re-construction of the interface for the calculation of the surface tension force (VOF-PROST). This achieves higher accuracy for drop deformation simulations in comparison with existing VOF methods based on a piecewise linear interface re-construction. The algorithm is formulated for the Giesekus constitutive law. The evolution of a drop suspended in a second liquid and undergoing simple shear is simulated. Numerical results are first checked against two cases in the literature: the small deformation theory for second-order liquids, and an Oldroyd-B extensional flow simulation. We then address the experimental data of Guido et al. (2003) for a Newtonian drop in a viscoelastic matrix liquid. The data deviate from existing theories as the capillary number increases, and reasons for this are explored here with the Oldroyd-B and Giesekus models.