Euler-Lagrange
Development of a Numerical Method to Predict Hydrodynamic Cavitation Induced Erosion
Status
On-going
Scientists
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bettar Ould el Moctar
Andreas Peters M.Sc.
Dr.-Ing. Udo Lantermann
Project Description
The aim of this project is the development of a reliable numerical method for the assessment of hydrodynamic cavitation induced erosion. An Euler-Euler method, as well as an Euler-Lagrange method will be extended by additional terms and equations for bubble dynamics. These methods will be strongly coupled. Figure 1 shows the simulation of cavitation on a hydrofoil using the Euler-Lagrange method. To reduce the computational effort, the coupling algorithm will be applied to a limited part of the computational domain considered as relevant for cavitation induced erosion. An approach to qualitatively predict cavitation erosion has been developed by the scientists. The extended erosion model will be improved based on additional flow details, bubble dynamics, and bubble transport to better predict the erosion sensitive areas and to estimate erosion rates for different materials. The developed numerical method will be validated based on experimental data from former research projects and from literature. The coupled method will be applied to predict cavitation induced erosion in the maritime field.
Figure 1: Single discrete cavitation bubbles over a hydrofoil, simulation with Euler-Lagrange method
Funding
