Three-component volume of fluid method coupling with interface compression method and Eulerian–Lagrangian spray atomization surface density model for prediction of cavitating sprays

Abstract

In this work, a new three phase cavitation model with Eulerian–Lagrangian Spray Atomization (ELSA) and Interface Capturing Method (ICM) coupling is presented to allow for, in a unified approach, physical insight of the surface evolution of cavitating sprays at the Sub-Grid Scale (SGS). Phase change is accounted for in the framework via mass transfer across a liquid and corresponding vapor phase. The surface density model was validated against direct numerical simulation data of an atomizing jet with a systematic variation of mesh resolutions. The sensitivity of the adjustable parameters such as the critical Weber number was also demonstrated. Then, experimental comparisons were made with a more realistic orthogonal spray geometry within a cavitating and turbulent non-cavitating system. These comparisons include both large scale visualizations and small scale SGS quantities such as the Sauter mean diameter. To our knowledge, this is the first study that presents the performance of a three phase cavitating framework with SGS ELSA-ICM coupling.