Finite Volume, Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Investigation of Supercavity Pulsations

Computations of pulsating supercavity flows behind axisymmetric disk cavitators are presented. The method of computation is a finite volume discretization of the equations of mixture fluid motion. The gas phase is treated as compressible, the liquid phase as incompressible, and the interface accuracy enhanced using a volume of fluid (VOF) approach. The re-entrant, pulsating, and twin vortex modes of cavity closure are delineated and computationally resolved, including the expected hysteresis. A phase diagram of cavitation number versus ventilation rate at three Froude conditions is computationally constructed. Sample re-entrant, pulsation, and twin vortex snapshots are presented. Pulsation results are compared with stability criterion from the literature as well as examined for their expected character. Computations appear to capture the complete spectrum of cavity closure conditions. A detailed comparison of computational simulation and physical experiment at similar conditions is also included as a means to validate the computational results.