Shock-induced cavitation and wavefront analysis inside a water droplet

The objective of this study is to develop a basic understanding of the interaction of shock waves with density inhomogeneities. We consider the particular instance of a planar air shock impinging on a spherical water droplet and discuss to what extent this interaction can lead to the inception of cavitation inside the droplet. The effort centers on early phases of the interaction, which are analyzed using both ray theory and a hydrodynamic code. Within the context of ray theory, the occurrence of focusing is examined in detail, and parametric equations are derived for the transmitted wavefront and its multiple internal reflections. It is found that wave patterns predicted by ray calculations compare extremely well with the more accurate numerical solutions from simulations. In particular, it is shown that the internal wavefront assumes a complex time-dependent shape whose dominant feature is the existence of cusp singularities. These singular points are shown to trace out surfaces that are the caustics of the associated system of rays. From the singularities of the energy flux density of the refracted wave, the parametric equations of the caustic surface associated with the kth reflected wavefront are deduced. As a consequence of the focusing process, simulations show the formation of negative-pressure regions in the internal flow field. These low-pressure zones are identified as possible spots at which cavitation may occur, depending on the magnitude of pressure reached. Finally, numerical results provide quantitative information on the dependence of negative-pressure peaks upon incident-shock-wave strength.

Automated summary

The study aimed to develop a basic understanding of shock wave interaction with density inhomogeneities, focusing on the effects on a spherical water droplet. By using ray theory and a hydrodynamic code, it was found that ray calculations were consistent with more accurate numerical simulations in predicting wave patterns. The research highlighted the occurrence of cusp singularities and low-pressure zones inside the droplet, which may lead to cavitation depending on the pressure magnitude.