Abstract: An algorithm is developed for the flow field in a two-phase cavitation region.The algorithm is implemented in a viscous calculation based on a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes(RANS) equation solver considering the effect of turbulence.A prior solution of wall detachment point and bubble length is not required.They are simulated by a cavitation model.The liquid/vapor interface is tracked and obtained by an iteration of flow field and interface updating.The algorithm is well validated with a comparison of computational and experimental data available for external flows of a cone/cylinder body and a hemisphere/cylinder body.The liquid/vapor interface shape and bubble length are calculated.The pressure coefficient distributions obtained along the cavitation bubble surface agree well with experimental results.The feasibility and accuracy of the algorithm are illustrated.

Key words: cavitation, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation, liquid/vapor interface tracking method, numerical simulation