Three-dimensional numerical simulation of cryogenic cavitating flows of liquid nitrogen around hydrofoil

This paper aims to analyze the cavitating flow characteristics of liquid nitrogen and develop an effective computational strategy to simulate cryogenic cavitation relevant to liquid rocket propulsion applications. The aims are realized by implanting the cavitation model and physical properties of liquid nitrogen at different temperatures to the CFX solver code through the CEL (CFX Expression Language), and considering the effect of latent heat of evaporation in the energy equation. The numerical simulation are then conducted around a 3D hydrofoil, and based on a wide range of comparisons of numerical results and experimental data under cryogenic conditions, the application numerical method and modified cavitation model coefficients are assessed effectively. The results show that the thermodynamic has significantly effect on the pressure and temperature distribution around the hydrofoil, the predicted pressure and temperature inside the cavity are steeper under the cryogenic conditions than those under the isothermal conditions. The computational predictions with the modified evaporation and condensation parameters display relatively better results compared with the cryogenic experimental data than the default parameters. The modified cavitation model which takes into account the thermodynamic effects with the recommend coeffcients is applicable for cavitating flow prediction in cryogenics fluids.