Modified k-¿ model for simulation of cavitating flows

Although cavitating flows are generally turbulent, the interaction of turbulence and cavitation dynamics is still not well understood. In general, two-equation models are employed, which were originally developed for single-phase flows. Therefore they fail by handling cavitation based flow phenomena with very high density variations (dependent on operating condition up to 40000:1). This sudden change of the density causes strong pressure gradients, secondary flows and local compressibility. The aim of this study is to enhance the Wilcox's k-? model with empirical correlations in order to simulate turbulent cavitating flows more precisely and effciently.