Investigation of Cloud Cavitation Passive Control Method Using Cavitating-Bubble Generators (CGs)

In this article, we propose a passive method to control unsteady cloud cavitation on hydrofoils using cavitation-bubble generator (CGs). This method may be used in many engineering applications, in particular in marine and turbomachinery. First, we used a Partially-averaged Navier Stokes (PANS) model for turbulence to simulate the unsteady cavitating flow and validated it based on experimental data. This model was coupled with a mass transfer model and implemented to the open source software package OpenFOAM. Second, the effect of a proper design of CGs on qualitative parameters such as cavitation structure and the shape of cavity were studied. The effect of CGs on the destructive effects of cavitation such as vibration, turbulent velocity fluctuations and high-pressure amplitude were analyzed. Our results showed that a proper design of CGs may reduce the amplitude of the force fluctuations on the hydrofoil substantially. Further on, the local boundary layer around the hydrofoil surface was altered and the turbulent velocity fluctuation was reduced significantly using this technique.