One-dimensional/three-dimensional analysis of transient cavitating flow in a venturi tube with special emphasis on cavitation excited pressure fluctuation prediction

Abstract

The large eddy simulation (LES) method is used to simulate cavitating flow in a venturi tube. The simulated results agree fairly well with the experimental data. To quantitatively describe the relationship between cavitation evolution and excited pressure fluctuation in the venturi tube, a modified prediction model is proposed and its accuracy is verified by the LES results. Based on the original one-dimensional model for the external cavitating flow around a hydrofoil, this model is corrected according to the internal cavitating flow characteristics in the venturi tube. The results show that the original one-dimensional model ignores the choking effect of cavitating flow, which is obvious in a venturi tube with a narrow flow channel, thus leading to an inaccurate prediction of pressure fluctuation in the venturi tube. The modified model can significantly overcome its deficiencies and improve the accuracy of the pressure fluctuation prediction, providing a theoretical basis and guidance for engineering application to controlling the pressure fluctuation in a venturi tube or for other internal flows.