What is it about?
Cavitation concerns a multiphase fluid mechanics phenomenon characterized by phase transition due to pressure changes. Cavitation can lead to equipment damage, reduced efficiency and safety hazards due to erosion, noise and pressure fluctuations. Mitigating cavitation is essential in various industries to prevent these adverse consequences and maintain efficient, safe operations. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) plays a vital role by offering advanced modeling tools to simulate and analyze cavitation processes accurately. CFD allows for precise representation of multiphase flows, enabling the study and classification of various cavitation models, their adaptations for multiphase flows and their applications. This review article 'A classification and review of cavitation models with an emphasis on physical aspects of cavitation' contributes to understanding cavitation's physical aspects and guides future improvements in modeling and simulating this intricate fluid mechanics phenomenon.
Featured Image
Photo by Scott Evans on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The article titled 'A classification and review of cavitation models with an emphasis on physical aspects of cavitation' sheds light on why cavitation modeling holds paramount significance in the realm of fluid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics. Cavitation, a complex multiphase phenomenon involving phase transition, has far-reaching implications across various industries. One of the central reasons cavitation modeling is crucial is its relevance to multiphase flows, a prevalent occurrence in many fluid systems. Understanding how fluids transition between phases due to pressure changes is essential for accurate predictions and optimizations. In practical terms, cavitation can lead to erosion and damage to equipment surfaces, which can have significant economic and safety implications. Accurate modeling allows engineers to design systems that minimize or prevent erosion, thereby extending equipment lifespan and ensuring safe operation. Moreover, cavitation can generate unwanted vibrations and noise, which not only affect equipment performance but also pose discomfort and safety risks. Effective modeling provides insights into mitigating these effects, optimizing performance, and enhancing worker well-being. In the context of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), precise cavitation modeling enables engineers to simulate and analyze these complex phenomena in a cost-effective and efficient manner. This capability is especially critical when designing and optimizing systems where physical testing may be impractical or too expensive. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of cavitation, with a focus on its physical aspects and phase transition dynamics, empowers scientists and engineers to make informed decisions, optimize designs, and ensure the safety and efficiency of various fluid systems. The article's classification and review of cavitation models serve as a valuable resource, guiding future improvements in this essential area of fluid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics.
Perspectives
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A classification and review of cavitation models with an emphasis on physical aspects of cavitation, Physics of Fluids, August 2023, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0157926.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page