Mathematical Basis and Validation of the Full Cavitation Model

Cavitating flows entail phase change and hence very large and steep density variations in the low pressure regions. These are also very sensitive to: (a) the formation and transport of vapor bubbles, (b) the turbulent fluctuations of pressure and velocity, and (c) the magnitude of noncondensible gases, which are dissolved or ingested in the operating liquid. The presented cavitation model accounts for all these first-order effects, and thus is named as the “full cavitation model.” The phase-change rate expressions are derived from a reduced form of Rayleigh-Plesset equation for bubble dynamics. These rates depend upon local flow conditions (pressure, velocities, turbulence) as well as fluid properties…

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  National Science Foundation