Free-slip boundary conditions for simulating free-surface incompressible flows through the particle finite element method

\The possibility of using free-slip conditions within the context of the particle finite element method (PFEM) is investigated. For high Reynolds number engineering applications in which tangential effects at the fluidsolid boundaries are not of primary interest, the use of free-slip conditions can alleviate the need for very fine boundary layer meshes. Two novel ways for the imposition of free-slip conditions in the framework of the PFEM are presented. The proposed approach emphasizes robustness and simplicity, while retaining a sufficient level of generality. These two methods are then tested in the case of dam break and sloshing problems, and their respective advantages and drawbacks are discussed. It is also shown how the use of free-slip conditions can indirectly improve mass conservation properties of the PFEM, even when coarse meshes are employed. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.