Applications of LSC turbulence model on unsteady cavitating flows

Local swirling correction (LSC) turbulence model is introduced for simulating the unsteady cavitating flows by considering local streamline curvature effect. The standard k-ε turbulence model is used to calculate the unsteady cavitating flows as a comparison. The LSC model can be validated by comparing with experimental cavity visualizations. Following conclusions can be drawn: the LSC model revises the turbulence production term. It can solve the problem that standard k-ε turbulence model over-predicts the eddy viscosity. It can get a 30% decreasing of turbulence kinetic energy and eddy viscosity in cavitating regions, according better with experimental results. Result using LSC turbulence model shows time average cavity that covers the whole suction surface, while that using standard k-ε turbulence model shows cavity with about 0.6-chord length. Local swirling effect can decrease time average turbulence eddy viscosity in cavity closure region effectively. LSC model can also capture time revolutions of cavitating flows better, including growth and breakup of attached cavity, as well as collapses of detached cavity.