The Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Flow Properties on the Thermodynamic Effect of Cavitation

Abstract

The temperature depression of liquids due to latent heat of vaporization causes vapor pressure depression and suppresses cavity growth. This phenomenon is called ''thermodynamic effect of cavitation.'' This effect is especially significant in cryogenic fluids such as LOX and LH 2 . Due to this effect, the performance of hydraulic equipment for cryogenic fluids, such as turbopumps of rocket engines, is not as bad as predicted. In this paper, the size of the cavity in cryogenic fluid is estimated numerically taking the thermodynamic effect of cavitation into consideration. A cavity is assumed to be a sheet cavity. From the results, the effects of the properties of liquid and Reynolds number on the thermodynamic effect of cavitation are investigated.

Validation of full cavitation model in cryogenic fluids

“…Deshpande et al [9] and Tokumasu et al [15] began to solve energy equation, though only in the vapor phase, in explicit interface tracking. Deshpande et al [9] and Tokumasu et al [15] began to solve energy equation, though only in the vapor phase, in explicit interface tracking.…”

Measurement of thermal parameter and Reynolds number effects on cavitation instability onset in a turbopump inducer

“…Thus, the rotating cavitation onset depends on Re at Σ * = 1.23. Tokumasu et al (2005) performed a numerical analysis of the Re effects on cavitation growth for a hydrofoil. They found that the cavitation region is bigger at a higher Re in liquid oxygen in which the thermal effect is significant.…”