An assessment of CFD cavitation models using bubble growth theory and bubble transport modeling

This effort investigates two approaches to cavitation modeling that are relevant to computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The two approaches include (1) reformulating the cavitation models and (2) exploring the impact of liquid-vapor slip. The first aspect of the paper revisits cavitation model formulations with respect to the Rayleigh-Plesset Equation (RPE). The approach reformulates the cavitation model using analytic solutions to the RPE. The benefit of this reformulation is displayed through maintaining model sensitivities similar to RPE, whereas the standard models fail these tests. In addition, the model approach is extended beyond standard homogenous models to a two-fluid model framework that includes bubble slip. The results indicate a significant impact of slip on the predicted cavitation solution, suggesting that inclusion of such modeling can potentially improve CFD cavitation models. Overall, the results of this effort point to various aspects that should be considered in future CFD-modeling efforts that aim to model cavitation.