A numerical method for the simulation of steady and unsteady cavitating flows

Abstract

A numerical method for the prediction of cavitating flows around lifting bodies is presented. The algorithm employs a one-fluid Navier–Stokes-enthalpy solver that can handle variable fluid properties, along with properly formulated water–vapor mixture state laws, in order to account for the two-phase flow of water and vapor and the transition from one phase to the other. The method allows for the simulation of steady and unsteady, two-dimensional, cavitating flows for low and moderate Reynolds numbers. Employment of the method for various test cases shows good agreement with available experimental measurements and observations and demonstrates interesting phenomena related to cavitation and its interaction with viscous mechanisms. Simulation of Reynolds number dependent phenomena, like cavitation inception and total section drag force, are only predicted qualitatively in the present study. However, the method shows promise for reliable quantitive predictions.