Numerical simulation of cryogenic cavitating flow by an extended transport-based cavitation model with thermal effects

Abstract

Low-temperature medium cavitation is extremely susceptible to temperature changes and it is more sensitive and valuable to study than ambient medium. In this study, the modified Zwart-Gerber-Belamri (MZGB) cavitation model has been extended to be suitable for the cavitation flow of cryogenic fluid by considering the thermodynamic and viscous effects. The accuracy of MZGB cavitation model is verified using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method in simulations of Hord hydrofoil and ogive in low-temperature nitrogen and hydrogen medium, and different combinations of evaporation and condensation coefficients are discussed. The results show the best agreement with experimental results when Fvap = 2.0 and Fcond = 0.006. By ensuring the accuracy of temperature drop calculation in the original model, the MZGB cavitation model is capable of capturing a more precise pressure drop at various inlet temperature conditions. Additionally, the cavitation model that considers both thermodynamic and viscous factors yields higher values for condensed mass than the original model, which better reflects the evaporation and condensation process of vapor in the cavity and has a certain degree of confidence. The research could provide some novel thoughts for enhancing the accuracy of cryogenic cavitating flow.