Quasi-one-dimensional steady-state cavitating nozzle flows

Abstract

Quasi-one-dimensional cavitating nozzle flows are considered by employing a homogeneous bubbly liquid flow model. The nonlinear dynamics of cavitating bubbles is described by a modified Rayleigh–Plesset equation that takes into account bubble/bubble interactions by a local homogeneous mean-field theory and the various damping mechanisms by a damping coefficient, lumping them together in the form of viscous dissipation. The resulting system of quasi-one-dimensional cavitating nozzle flow equations is then uncoupled leading to a nonlinear third-order ordinary differential equation for the flow speed. This equation is then cast into a nonlinear dynamical system of scaled variables which describe deviations of the flow field from its corresponding incompressible single-phase value. The solution of the initial-value problem of this dynamical system can be carried out very accurately, leading to an exact description of the hydrodynamic field for the model considered.A bubbly liquid composed of water vapour–air bubbles in water at 20 °C for two different area variations is considered, and the initial cavitation number is chosen in such a way that cavitation can occur in the nozzle. Results obtained, when bubble/bubble interactions are neglected, show solutions with flow instabilities, similar to the flashing flow solutions found recently by Wang and Brennen. Stable steady-state cavitating nozzle flow solutions, either with continuous growth of bubbles or with growth followed by collapse of bubbles, were obtained when bubble/bubble interactions were considered together with various damping mechanisms.