The Numerical Simulation Of Cryogenic Cavitating Flows With Thermodynamic Effects

Cryogenic fluids, such as liquid hydrogen and nitrogen, are often used as rocket propellants. They are supplied to the combustion chamber under extremely high speeds. Such high speeds likely result in a zone of negative static pressure (pressure drop below vapor pressure) causing cavitation. Cavitation is largely undesirable due to its negative effects. Properties of cryogenic fluids are thermo-sensible. So, thermodynamics have significant effect on the cryogenic cavitating flows. Investigating the cryogenic cavitating flows is important to improve the efficiency of propellant feed system.The major contributions of the present study are: investigating the thermodynamic effects on cavitating flows of liquid hydrogen and nitrogen. The major objectives of this research are as follows:Steady state computations are performed over a 2D axisymmetric hydrofoil by employing liquid nitrogen. The computational results are verified with Hord's experiment data. In order to investigate the thermodynamic effects on cavitating flows, adding the latent heat from phase change of vapor and liquid to the source term of energy equation by editing the UDF program.Steady state computations are performed over a 2D axisymmetric hydrofoil by employing liquid hydrogen. Investigate the temperature profile, pressure profile and liquid volume fraction profile with different inlet temperature, pressure and velocity, respectively. Investigated the cavitation number profile along the surface of hydrofoil.Steady state computations are performed over a 2D axisymmetric venturi and 3D venturi by employing liquid hydrogen. Investigate the temperature profile, pressure profile, liquid volume fraction profile and mass flow rate profile with different inlet temperature, inlet/outlet pressure ratio, throat length and throat diameter, respectively. Good agreement can be observed between the computational result of 2D and 3D.