Numerical implementation and verification of the Zwart-Gerber-Belamri cavitation model with the consideration of thermodynamic effect

Abstract

Abstract In the world of pumps, turbopumps, and industrial applications, the absorption and release of latent heat in high-temperature zones play a pivotal role in the cavitation process. This phenomenon exerts a profound influence on system performance, especially when handling hot and cryogenic fluids, which are particularly susceptible to thermodynamic influences. The pressing need arises for a robust computational approach to address the intricacies of thermodynamic effects on cryogenic cavitation. The study at hand introduces a modification to the Zwart-Gerber-Belamri cavitation model, incorporating thermodynamic considerations to simulate quasi-steady cavitating flow around a NACA0015 hydrofoil. The SST k-ε turbulence model and homogeneous mass transfer cavitation model are employed to account for thermal effects, while the Clausius-Clapeyron equation is utilized to adjust the saturated vapor pressure within the cavitation model. Comparing the results with experimental data from Cervone et al. [1], especially in the thermal domain, reveals congruence in the estimated pressure and temperature drop (ΔT) within the cavity under varying free stream temperature conditions. Notably, thermodynamic effects exert a significant influence on cavitation dynamics during the phase-change process, potentially hindering or delaying cavitation in hot and cryogenic fluids. This enhanced cavitation model offers a marginally improved prediction of cavitation in water.