Cavitation Evolution around a NACA0015 Hydrofoil with Different Cavitation Models Based on Level Set Method

Cavitation is a complex multiphase flow phenomenon that is usually involved in marine propulsion systems, and can be simulated with a couple of methods. In this study, three widespread cavitation models were compared using experimental data and a new modified simulation method. The accuracy of the three cavitation models was evaluated regarding their steady and unsteady characteristics, such as the flow field, re-entrant jet, vortex-shedding, and so on. Based on the experimental data and numerical results, the applicability of different cavitation models in different conditions was obtained. The Kunz model can accurately capture both the adverse pressure gradient and the action of the re-entrant jet in sheet cavitation, while the full cavitation model (FCM) has an accurate prediction for the flow field structure and the shedding characteristic of cloud cavitation. Through comparing the results, the optimal selection of cavitation models for further study at different conditions was obtained.