Turbulence Parameters during Transient Cavitation Flow in Viscoelastic Pipe

Abstract

A two-dimensional model of distributed vaporous cavitation is developed for transient flow in a low-density polyethylene pipeline. In this model, the governing equations of transient flow are solved with viscoelastic and cavitation equations simultaneously. The k-ω turbulence model is further combined with the model of transient flow to (1) simulate the energy dissipation during transient flow; and (2) investigate the effect of temperature and cavitation on turbulence behavior. Based on the results, the increase in flow velocity of cavitation significantly augments the intensity of turbulence production near the wall and the transport of turbulence in the inner layers. Higher temperatures result in higher power for the generation of turbulence near the wall. Cavitation significantly reduces the production of turbulence near the wall and intensifies the turbulence transport in the inner layers of the flow.