Numerical Study on Cavitation Characteristics of Multi-channel Venturi Nozzle

Hydrodynamic cavitation is a prevalent phenomenon within fluid dynamics, offering substantial advantages in various engineering applications. The alteration of cavitation venturi structure and the augmentation of hydrodynamic cavitation intensity have long represented a dynamic research domain. In this context, we introduce a novel cavitation venturi design with the explicit aim of amplifying cavitation intensity by expanding the flow channel within the venturi nozzle. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the flow characteristics inside the nozzle using large eddy simulation and numerical simulation with the Zwart cavitation model. We compared the cavitation evolution process of two distinct nozzles under specific conditions: inlet pressure ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 MPa and a transient time interval of 0-1 ms. Additionally, we evaluated the average steam volume fraction within the nozzle. The numerical results demonstrate that, when subjected to identical boundary conditions, the multi-channel venturi nozzle exhibits a greater capacity to generate steam volume, consequently amplifying the cavitation energy produced at the nozzle outlet and intensifying cavitation. The results of our research provide a crucial reference for the design of nozzles in various engineering applications.