Simulation of three-dimensional cavitation behind a disk using various turbulence and mass transfer models

In this study, we performed numerical investigations of the cavitating and supercavitating flow behind a three-dimensional disk with a particular emphasis on detailed comparisons of various turbulence and mass transfer models. Simulations were performed using the OpenFOAM package and flows at three different cavitation numbers, (σ = 0.2, 0.1, and 0.05) were considered. Large eddy simulation (LES) and k-ω shear stress transport turbulence approaches were coupled with various mass transfer model types (e.g., Kunz, Schnerr-Sauer, and Zwart models). The Zwart mass transfer model was added to the standard OpenFOAM package. A compressive volume of fluid method was used to track the interface between the liquid and vapor phases. Our numerical results in terms of the cavity length, diameter, and drag coefficient compared fairly well with experimental data and a broad set of analytical relations. Moreover, this study provides a better understanding of the cavitation dynamics behind disk cavitators. Our results indicate that the most accurate solutions will be obtained by applying an LES turbulence approach combined with the Kunz mass transfer model.