Numerical Integration of OpenFOAM with BioDynaMo Using preCICE for Multiscale and Multiphysics Problems in (Bio)Physics

  • Iosif, Alexandros (University of Cyprus)
  • Vavourakis, Vasileios (University of Cyprus)

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Numerical multiscale and multiphysics modelling requires resolving interacting phenomena across disparate spatial and temporal scales, from molecular and cellular processes to meso-, macro-, and system-level behaviour, and has motivated a range of coupling strategies that combine complementary discretization techniques (e.g., arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approaches, continuum methods such as finite elements/finite volume, particle-based methods such as lattice Boltzmann, and heterogeneous multiscale methods). In this talk, we present a partitioned multiphysics workflow built on the preCICE coupling framework [1,2] that couples a finite volume method (FVM) solver with an agent-based modelling (ABM) solver to capture distinct (bio)physical processes and spatial scales within a single simulation pipeline. The proposed interface integrates OpenFOAM for macroscopic, continuum-scale transport and flow modelling and BioDynaMo for microscopic, cell-scale agent dynamics [4], and introduces a BioDynaMo–preCICE adapter that interoperates with the OpenFOAM–preCICE adapter to enable both one-way and two-way coupling between the FVM and ABM solvers [3]. We demonstrate OpenFOAM–BioDynaMo communication via preCICE for transport phenomena (fluid flow and advection–diffusion–reaction) coupled with particle dynamics (interactions, migration, and growth), and validate the approach using established benchmark problems (e.g., lid-driven cavity, Venturi tube) alongside application cases such as abdominal aortic aneurysm and in vitro cancer growth. We conclude with findings on computational robustness, scalability, and numerical accuracy of the OpenFOAM–preCICE–BioDynaMo implementation.