On a New Unified Framework for Computational Continuum Multiphysics

Abstract: Presentation is about a unified framework, called multiRegionFoam, for solving multiphysics problems of the multi-region coupling type. Its implementation has been accomplished within the open-source C++ platform OpenFOAM (FOAM-extend). The design of the new framework is modular, allowing users to assemble a multiphysics problem region-by-region and coupling conditions interface-by-interface. The present approach allows users to choose between deploying either monolithic or partitioned interface coupling for each individual transport equation. The formulation of boundary conditions is generalised in the sense that their implementation is based on the mathematical jump/transmission conditions in the most general form for tensors of any rank. Presentation includes details on the underlying mathematical model for these types of multiphysics problems, as well as on the software design and resulting code structure that enable a flexible and modular approach. Finally, deployment for different multi-region coupling cases is demonstrated, including conjugate heat, multiphase flows and fuel-cells.