Modeling inception and evolution of near-wall vapor thermo-cavitation bubbles via a lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

The proposed method simulates the growth and collapse mechanisms of lasers or sparks cavitation bubbles based on a double-distributed pseudo-potential thermal lattice Boltzmann method, which gives a high-temperature spot equal to or larger than the critical temperature of the fluid. This technique offers valuable insights into both the hydro- and the thermodynamics evolution of near-wall bulk bubbles. Our findings indicate that the dimensionless bubble-wall distance and the maximum radius share a correlative relationship, expressible via a piecewise function. The critical radius required for bubble inception exhibits a direct correlation with surface tension. We also observe a power-law relationship between surface tension and the maximum radius: lower surface tension results in increased deformation and a larger jet volume. The simulation results reveal the significant influence of initial input temperature on the pressure dynamics within the gas nucleus, leading to varied surface expansion velocities. However, this factor only marginally affects the surface wall expansion velocities. An increased input temperature results in intensified collapse mechanisms. Nevertheless, the elevated temperature during the initial collapse may cause an increase in pressure within the remaining bubble components, potentially leading to oscillations in the bubble radius.