Evaluation of the cavitation models on the numerical simulation of cloud cavitating flows around a hydrofoil

Cloud cavitation flows around a hydrofoil are simulated to address issues in the cavitation model applications in the computation of cloud cavitating flows. Four cavitation models, including the Kubota model, Singhal model, Merkle model and Kunz model are evaluated in the present study. Numerical results are compared with experimental ones. It is shown that all different cavitation models can predict successively the characteristics of cavitation and the detailed process of the cavitation development. Influences of cavitation models on the length of cavity, velocity and the lift and drag force are evaluated, but no significant effect on the frequency distribution of the dynamics around the foil is observed.