Investigation of Cavitation-Induced Flow Instabilities: An Integrated Numerical/Experimental Approach

University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

The PI proposes to carry out experimental and numerical investigations of flow instabilities induced by cavitation as often found in hydraulic machinery, and in flows around hydrofoils and propellers. Attention will be paid in the following four ares: (1) the formation of cloud cavitation and its effect on the wake structure of hydrofoils, (2) detailed study of erosion mechanisms caused by the collapse of such cavities, (3) comparative study of the acoustics of cloud and bubble cavitation, and (4) analysis of the periodic oscillations of the reentrant jet and their scaling. Experiments and numerical simulations will be carried out in an interactive manner to enhance the progress in both endeavors.