Hybrid RANS–LES Modeling for Unsteady Cavitating Flow Simulation

Abstract

A typical hybrid RANS-LES approach, DES (Detached Eddy Simulation), was introduced into cavitating flow simulation in this paper. The applicability of two DES models, including one equation DES model and SST k-ω DES model, and standard k-ε model was analyzed through experimental data of a water tunnel experiment. Validation results illustrate that the precision of DES method depends on the RANS model used and the length scale used to distinguish LES zone and RANS zone. The SST k-ω DES method can well predict cavitating flow. The averaged results gained through this model are better than those of standard k-ε or one equation DES model. By comparison, the one equation DES model shows little advantage than standard k-ε model to simulate cavitating flow.