In this tutorial, the cavitation characteristics of a hydrofoil is investigated and compared to experimental data. The capability for multi-dimensional simulation of cavitating flows is of critical importance for efficient design and performance of many engineering devices. Cavitation refers to the formation of vapor filled cavities at low pressure regions of a flow field and their subsequent implosion while passing through high pressure regions of the flow field. Their phenomenon generally is undesirable causing erosion of propellers, pumps and other solid bodies. They are however considered and used in a beneficial way for a number applications including ultrasonic cleaning, water purification, high speed underwater propulsion and even to produce high temperatures and pressures for initiating thermonuclear fusion reaction. 

Cavitation generally refers to the formation of vapor filled cavities at low pressure regions of a flow field and their subsequent implosion while passing through high pressure regions of the flow field. Their phenomenon generally is undesirable causing erosion of propellers, pumps and other solid bodies. They are however considered and used in a beneficial way for a number applications including ultrasonic cleaning, water purification, high speed underwater propulsion and even to produce high temperatures and pressures for initiating thermonuclear fusion reaction. Therefore, the capability for multi-dimensional simulation of cavitating flows is of critical importance for efficient design and performance of many engineering devices. In this tutorial, the cavitation characteristics of an axisymmetric sharp edged orifice is investigated and compared to some analytical predictions.