Cavitating bubbly flow of non-Newtonian second grade fluid through nozzles: Application of reduction of cavitation damage and noise

Abstract

This research is focused on studying the behavior of bubbles in one-dimensional nozzle flows. The study delves into the complex flow of cavitating bubbles within geometries of varying cross-sectional areas, using a second-grade fluid. The cavitation phenomenon poses a potential threat, as it can harm surfaces upon bubble collapse or interaction with adjacent boundaries. Thus, the proposed model unveils the intricate behavior of cavitating bubbles in response to nozzle shape and fluid properties. The governing equations are first modeled using the Rayleigh–Plesset equation along with continuity and momentum equations for bubbly liquids. They are then simplified and nondimensionalized to solve by means of the RK method. The influence of several nondimensional parameters, including the Reynolds number, fluid parameter, cavitation number and the number of bubbles, on the flow behavior of second-grade fluid through various channels is illustrated using graphs. To validate the results, the Newtonian formulation was applied in the current setting, and it was found that the obtained results matched the available literature. Also, critical values of void fractions for the radius of the bubble are presented. The non-Newtonian properties of the fluid are observed a significant outcome for the reduction of cavitation damage and noise.