multiRegionFoam: A Unified Multiphysics Framework for Multi-Region Coupled Continuum-Physical Problems

This paper presents a unified framework, called multiRegionFoam, for solving multiphysics problems of the multi-region coupling type within OpenFOAM (FOAM-extend). It is intended to supersede the existing solver with the same name. 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. The present contribution focuses on the underlying mathematical model for interface coupled 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. Source code: multiRegionFoam v1.1 [1], repository https://bitbucket.org/hmarschall/multiregionfoam/.

Article highlights:

• A novel multiphysics framework, called multiRegionFoam, has been developed for solving multi-region coupled problems in OpenFOAM.

• The design of the framework allows for a modular multiphysics setup with freedom of choice on the coupling strategy (partitioned vs. monolithic).

• Extension of the general transport equation by interface conditions enables a unified coupling approach.