Modified k – ω Model for Simulation of Cavitating Flows

Although cavitating flows are generally turbulent, the interaction of turbulence and cavitation dynamics is still not well understood. In general, two‐equation models are employed, which were originally developed for single‐phase flows. Therefore they fail by handling cavitation based flow phenomena with very high density variations (dependent on operating condition up to 40000:1). This sudden change of the density causes strong pressure gradients, secondary flows and local compressibility. The aim of this study is to enhance the Wilcox's k‐? model with empirical correlations in order to simulate turbulent cavitating flows more precisely and effciently.