Development of a multiphase cavitation solver and its application for ventilated cavitating flows with natural cavitation

Abstract The aim of this article is to develop a cavitation solver capable of dealing with the cavitating flow where more than three phases coexist based on the OpenFOAM platform. A new phase change class coupled with newly reported cavitation models and turbulence models has been implemented in the solver. Firstly, validations have been carried out using cases of a two-dimensional cavitating hydrofoil and a three-dimensional projectile near the free surface. The pressure distribution and the gas-liquid interface profile agree well with the experimental data. The solver is then applied for a base-ventilated cavitating hydrofoil with different angle of attack where natural cavitation could occur simultaneously on the hydrofoil surface. The cavity shape as well as the transient cavity shedding process are correctly predicted using the PANS turbulence model. The resulting velocity and pressure distributions are clearly analyzed, giving great insights into the formation and deformation mechanisms of the ventilated cavity. The developed solver is proved to be accurate and efficient in solving the details of turbulent multiphase flows with phase change occurring and has great potential for future applications.