The Numerical Simulation of Cavitation Phenomenon in a Venturi Tube

Abstract Venturi tubes are an important component of the liquid rocket engine to achieve extensive thrust regulation. On the basis of the existing venturi tube model, the relevant numerical simulation is carried out by the Mixture model and the k – ε turbulence model. Elaborated the typical cavitation flow field structure, cavitation area length and critical pressure ratio and analyzed the influence of outlet pressure on cavitation flow field in cavitation tubes. It was found that cavitation is always produced against the wall, and there is a core area of Cavitation. Cavitation in the core area is the most severe and the temperature is the lowest. From the core area outward, the gas phase area shows a patchy distribution, and there exists a gradient. Also, the critical pressure ratio that can produce cavitation is calculated. It is concluded that under the condition that cavitation can occur, the decrease of outlet pressure will lead to the lengthening of the cavitation area and the larger maximum temperature difference in the Venturi tube.