A classification and review of cavitation models with an emphasis on physical aspects of cavitation

Abstract

This review article presents a summary of the main categories of models developed for modeling cavitation, a multiphase phenomenon in which a fluid locally experiences phase change due to a drop in ambient pressure. The most common approaches to modeling cavitation along with the most common modifications to said approaches due to other effects of cavitating flows are identified and categorized. The application of said categorization is demonstrated through an analysis of selected cavitation models. For each of the models presented, the various assumptions and simplifications made by the authors of the model are discussed, and applications of the model to simulating various aspects of cavitating flow are also presented. The result of the analysis is demonstrated via a visualization of the categorizations of the highlighted models. Using the preceding discussion of the various cavitation models presented, the review concludes with an outlook toward future improvements in the modeling of cavitation.