Application of two-phase transition model in underwater explosion cavitation based on compressible multiphase flows

Abstract

Underwater explosion cavitation is generally simulated using a one-fluid model based on compressible multicomponent flows. Owing to the lack of mass and heat transfer between liquid and vapor phases, this model is incapable of extensively analyzing the cavitation mechanism in underwater explosion. In this study, we extend the phase transition model provided by Chiapolino et al. to the field of underwater explosion cavitation. The model presents a more accurate description of the thermodynamics of cavitation processes involving liquid–vapor phase transition. The numerical results show that the phase transition exhibits significant potential in the study of underwater explosion cavitation, and the likely occurrence of creation, development, and collapse of the cavitation can be captured. A vortex band composed of a large number of tiny cavitation bubbles can be observed in the numerical results, which is consistent with the experiment in underwater explosion near a free surface. The variation range of the cavitation domain calculated by the phase transition model is basically consistent with the experiment, which proves the reliability and accuracy of the calculation model. Meanwhile, the distribution characteristics of quantities such as density, pressure, and vapor phase volume fraction in the cavitation domain can be effectively obtained in simulation, which are usually difficult to capture in experiments. The creation mechanism of cavitation near a free surface and rigid wall is different. However, the collapse mechanism is similar. The results of this study could provide an in-depth understanding of the dynamic behavior of cavitation in underwater explosion.

A review of underwater shock and fluid–structure interactions

“…For fluids, most commercial solvers do not handle fluid phase change (such as cavitation effects) well, if at all. This is a huge limitation for near-field explosions, but there is much ongoing work trying to address such limitations with fluid solvers (Tian et al 2021;Yu et al 2022Yu et al , 2023aYu, Song & Choi 2023b). Modelling the dynamic and failure behaviour of complex materials such as composites is also challenging for solids.…”

“…This is a huge limitation for near-field explosions, but there is much ongoing work trying to address such limitations with fluid solvers (Tian et al. 2021; Yu et al. 2022, 2023 a ; Yu, Song & Choi 2023 b ).…”

“…2021; Yu et al. 2022, 2023 a ; Yu, Song & Choi 2023 b ). Modelling the dynamic and failure behaviour of complex materials such as composites is also challenging for solids.…”

Study on dynamic characteristics of cavitation in underwater explosion with large charge

“…A phase transition model based on the four-equation system has been used to handle the thermodynamic equilibrium between the liquid phase and its corresponding vapor phase 27 – 31 . This four-equation model with phase transition has been employed to investigate the evolution of cavitation in underwater explosions, enabling the capture of the physical characteristics of the flow field within the cavitation domain 13 , 14 . Additionally, Zhang proposed a phase transition model based on the five-equation system, incorporating temperature and chemical relaxation with the monotonic mixture speed of sound 32 .…”

Study on the Influence of a Rigid Wall on Cavitation in Underwater Explosions Near the Free Surface

“…However, the theoretical assumptions of the acoustic finite element approach impose constraints, limiting its applicability to qualitatively analyze cavitation under weak shock wave conditions in the far field of underwater explosions. Its primary advantage lies in rapidly predicting the initiation time and approximate range of cavitation, but it cannot accurately forecast the evolutionary process and internal characteristics of the cavitation domain [13][14][15][16]. In contrast, interface tracking methods assume the existence of a distinct interface between the liquid and vapor phases of water and employ an iterative procedure to capture this interface [17,18].…”