Numerical simulation of dynamic contact-line problems

The presence of a three-phase region, where three immiscible phases are in mutual contact, causes additional difficulties in the investigation of many fluid mechanical problems. To surmount these difficulties some assumptions or specific hydrodynamic models have been used in the contact region (inner region). In the present paper an approach to the numerical solution of dynamic contact-line problems in the outer region is described. The influence of the inner region upon the outer one is taken into account by means of a solution of the integral mass and momentum conservation equations there. Both liquid–fluid–liquid and liquid–fluid–solid dynamic contact lines are considered. To support the consistency of this approach tests and comparisons with a number of experimental results are performed by means of finite-element numerical simulations.