Direct numerical simulations have recently emerged as a viable tool to study finite Reynolds number multiphase flows. The approach parallels direct numerical simulations of turbulent flows, but the unsteady motion of a deformable phase boundary adds considerable complexity. Here, a front tracking method that has been used to study several multiphase flow problems is described. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved by a finite difference/ front tracking technique that allows the inclusion of fully deformable interfaces and surface tension, in addition to inertial and viscous effects. A parallel version of the method makes it possible to use large grids and resolve flows containing a few hundred bubbles.
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