The Loci-Stream cavitation module provides capability for simulating flows that undergo phase change. It provides capabilities for modeling the phase change effects on a pure fluid due to thermal and pressure variations. The module allows for compressible flow effects as well as real-fluid effects.
Cavitation Models
The cavitation module takes into account non-equilibrium finite-rate effects, which are important for accurately modeling the complex physical processes involved in cavitation. Cavitation models with non-equilibrium effects, such as the Merkle model, Zwart-Gerber-Belamri (ZGB), and Schnerr-Sauer (SS) models, are available. These models provide evaporation and condensation rates in cavitating regions based on local flow conditions. Real-fluid type behavior is modeled in the governing equations to capture phenomenon that occurs in compressible cavitating flows.
Non-Condensable Gas
The cavitation module supports the addition of a non-condensable gas (NCG) to the domain. These gases are compressible and ideal, and can be injected at boundaries or inserted into domains as initial conditions. This feature is used for modeling realistic liquid flows that may contain amounts of air or other gases with a liquid flow.
NIST Tabulation
The Loci-Stream cavitation module employs a similar Amagat's Law mixture approach as the base code, however, the liquid and vapor species are modeled exclusively using tabulated thermodynamic and transport data from NIST REFPROP. This tabulation provides real-fluid behaviors for tabulated fluids. Subcritical and supercritical states can be tabulated depending on the application. A Python tabulation tool is provided with the cavitation module, which can be easily used to generate the tabulated NIST data files in the required format. Documentation for the cavitation tabulation tool is available.