CFD MODELING OF HYDRODYNAMIC CAVITATION IN A VARIABLE THROTTLE

TITLE: CFD MODELING OF HYDRODYNAMIC CAVITATION IN A VARIABLE THROTTLE
AUTHOR(S): I. Nochnichenko, D. Kostiuk, O. Haletskyi, S. Serhiy
ABSTRACT: This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation of hydrodynamic cavitation in a variable throttle. The primary objective is to analyze the onset, growth, and suppression of cavitation phenomena under different throttle openings and flow conditions, including variations in inlet pressure, velocity, and temperature.
The simulations were conducted using the turbulence model combined with a cavitation model accounting for liquid - vapor phase change. Several throttle configurations were examined to evaluate local pressure distribution, vapor volume fraction, cavitation zone development, and associated hydraulic losses.
The results indicate that at small throttle openings cavitation remains weak and localized near the vena contracta, while increasing the degree of throttling significantly expands the cavitation region and can lead to local pressure drops below the vaporization threshold. This causes the formation of extended vapor pockets with potential for material erosion. Additionally, fluid temperature and liquid properties (viscosity, vapor pressure) strongly influence the critical conditions for cavitation onset.
Overall, the findings highlight that proper throttle design - aimed at reducing regions of critical pressure - and optimized control of throttling degree and flow parameters can mitigate cavitation intensity and its detrimental effects. These results provide useful insights for the design and operation of hydraulic systems, pumps, injectors, and turbines where variable throttling is commonly employed.
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DOWNLOAD: Vol72-2026.pdf
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: I. Nochnichenko, D. Kostiuk, O. Haletskyi, S. Serhiy, CFD MODELING OF HYDRODYNAMIC CAVITATION IN A VARIABLE THROTTLE, Journal of the Technical University of Gabrovo. 72 (2026).