Bubble number in a caviting flow

TL;DR

This paper presents a model for cavitation in fluid flows with obstacles, estimating the maximum bubble density based on fluid properties and flow conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model using Laplace theory and non-convex energy to determine the upper limit of bubble density in cavitating flows.

Findings

Maximum bubble density depends on fluid and flow characteristics.

The model predicts the upper limit of cavitation intensity.

Cavitation behavior linked to thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract

Cavitation is a general phenomenon of the fluid flows with obstacles. It appears in the cooling conduits of the fast nuclear engines. A model of this phenomenon using the theory of Laplace and a common non-convex energy for the liquid and vapour bulks is proposed. This model makes it possible to determine a higher limit of the density of bubbles (a number of bubbles per unit of volume in the flow). The maximum intensity of cavitation is associated with the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the fluid flow.