Chemical Engineering Science, Vol.56, No.21-22, 6427-6435, 2001
Modelling of bubble dynamics in a venturi flow with a potential flow method
A simple model for cavitation bubble dynamics has been developed using a combination of boundary element methods and one-dimensional bubble dynamic equations. Each bubble is assumed to be spherical and is modelled using a potential Source. The strength of the source is governed by one-dimensional bubble dynamic equations so that the velocity of the growing bubble at the interface between the vapour and liquid is correctly represented. The model has been implemented into computer program to study the growth, collapse, and interaction of cavitating bubbles as they flow through a venturi. Interactions between a bubble starting as a nucleus of gas, the surrounding liquid and the venturi boundaries are described. Although this is a simple model, surprisingly complex interactions can be studied with short computational times and limited computer resources. Thus. insights have been gained which otherwise would have been extremely difficult to obtain. These are described in terms of the bubble history, instantaneous velocity maps and instantaneous stream function contours.