Implementation of a VoF solver with phase change for the simulation of internal cavitation and droplet breakup in injectors

Abstract

This study presents the implementation and derivation of a Volume of Fluid (VoF) solver capable of taking into account pressure driven phase change and handle three fluids. The implemented code is designed to investigate internal nozzle cavitation and subsequent injection and jet breakup. An extended cavitation model is also implemented that can handle phase change in the presence of a third phase. Detailed description and derivation of the mathematical system is presented. The solver is validated on a one-dimensional benchmark case from the literature and verified on an experimentally well-documented geometry. The verification shows the developing cavitation regime is well captured by comparing velocity profiles and flow images with experimental measurements and visualisation.