Fundamentals of cavitation and bubble dynamics with engineering applications

Abstract

Cavitation and bubble dynamics are important topics of fluid mechanics. Generally, cavitation phenomenon plays a negative role in the hydraulic machineries (e.g. hydroturbines, pumps, space engines, and marine propellers) through various kinds of mechanisms. First, the cavitation could cause serious damage on the surfaces of the materials (e.g. patterned erosions with pits) during its final collapse near the boundary. Second, flow inside/outside the machines will be further deteriorated by the vortices generated by the cavitating flows. Third, significant unstable flow could persist for a long time due to the generation of cavitation. As a result, both the efficiency and stable operation of the machines will be challenged by the cavitation.