RANS Simulations of Supercavity Flows
Résumé
This work aims at evaluating the capacity and limitations of conventional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) techniques to numerically simulate supercavity flows. The configuration is that of a two-dimensional (2D) symmetrical supercavitating wedge investigated experimentally by Michel (1974). Mesh effect is studied in detail under noncavitating conditions. The computational grid is refined in the region where cavitation develops in order to accurately track the supercavity. The effect of tunnel height is also analyzed, and the height finally chosen was large enough to simulate an infinite flow-field. The cavitating flow is treated as a homogeneous mixture of variable density. To account for vaporization and condensation, an additional continuity equation for the vapor (or the liquid) is solved with an appropriate source term expressing mass transfer between the two phases. The effect of nuclei concentration on the vaporization rate and then on the development of the supercavity is investigated. Results obtained using two different RANS codes are compared. They are also compared with experimental data and with inviscid solutions including a nonlinear boundary element method. They concern in particular cavity length and shape, pressure distribution, and drag coefficient. Under unsteady conditions, a special attention is paid to the characteristic growth time of the supercavity following a sudden pressure drop, from noncavitating conditions.
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