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

Abstract

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.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 20, 2017
Source ID
10.1115/1.4036596

Entities

People

  • Grant M. Skidmore
  • Jules W. Lindau
  • Michael J. Moeny
  • Michael Kinzel
  • Timothy A. Brungart

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research Global
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Melbourne

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
  • Marine Propulsion Engineering and Naval Architecture