Cavitation in cryogenic fluids: A critical research review

Abstract

Cavitation occurs as the fluid pressure is lower than the vapor pressure at a local thermodynamic state and may result in huge damage to the hydraulic machinery. Cavitation in cryogenic liquids is widely present in contemporary science, and the characteristics of cryogenic cavitation are quite different from those of water due to thermal effects and strong variations in fluid properties. The present paper reviews recent progress made toward performing experimental measurements and developing modeling strategies to thoroughly investigate cryogenic cavitation. The thermodynamic properties of cryogenic fluids are first analyzed, and different scaling laws for thermal effects estimation are then introduced. As far as cryogenic cavitation experimental research is concerned, the progress made in the cavitation visualization and cavity dynamics and the synchronous measurements of the multi-physical field are mainly introduced. As for the study on numerical simulation of cryogenic cavitation, the commonly used cavitation models and turbulence models are, respectively, classified and presented, and the modifications and improvements of the cavitation model and turbulence model for thermal effect modeling of cryogenic cavitation are examined. Then, several advances of critical issues in cryogenic fluid cavitation research are reviewed, including the influences of thermal effects, unsteady shedding mechanisms, cavitation–vortex interactions, and cavitation-induced vibration/noise. This review offers a clear vision of the state-of-the-art from both experimental and numerical modeling viewpoints, highlights the critical study developments and identifies the research gaps in the literature, and gives an outlook for further research on cryogenic cavitation.

Design of Three-Dimensional Characteristics of Perforated Plate for Liquid Nitrogen Balanced Flowmeter

“…The mixture model has been widely used in the calculation of LN 2 cavitation flow [24]. Since the thermal effect of LN 2 cavitation is not negligible, the governing equations should include the energy equation.…”

“…Since the thermal effect of LN 2 cavitation is not negligible, the governing equations should include the energy equation. The set of conservation equations of continuity, momentum, energy, and vapor-phase mass are as follows [24]:…”

“…S E is the volume heat source term caused by phase change, where S E = −h t •R, h t is the latent heat of phase change, and R is the net mass transfer rate R = R E − R C , where R E and R C are mass source terms due to evaporation and condensation, respectively. The Reynolds stress based on the realizable k-ε turbulent model is consistent with mathematical constraints and better describes features such as streamline and vortex, so the model has been widely used to simulate cryogenic cavitation flow [24]. It is also chosen here to simulate the LN 2 throttling process in the perforated plate.…”

“…The Schnerr-Sauer model is used to calculate the phase change mass transfer rate due to cavitation, which accurately models the cavitation characteristics of cryogenic fluids under the influence of thermal effects by correcting the number of cavitation bubbles. Its equations are as follows [24]:…”

Research on Cavitation Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Herringbone Gear Pump

“…On the other hand, the research results have limited effects on the optimal design of certain types of pumps because most studies only study the influence of one or several factors. The influence of fluid characteristics [24][25][26], boundary conditions [27,28], and internal structure [29,30] on cavitation should be comprehensively considered. Regarding fluid characteristics, for example, high-viscosity liquids make it difficult and dangerous to expel air bubbles.…”