Effect of over-pressure on the dynamics of interacting cavitation bubbles near curved surfaces in sub-cooled liquid nitrogen

In this study, we conduct direct numerical simulations to investigate the dynamics of interacting cavitation bubbles near a curved surface in liquid nitrogen, which serves as the surrounding fluid medium. Our simulations are carried out under both atmospheric and over-pressurized conditions, spanning pressures from 40 to 200 kPa above atmospheric pressure. We analyze the effects of over-pressure on bubble morphologies, oscillation periods, and the velocity of liquid micro-jets. Additionally, we briefly explore the shearing action of high-speed micro-jets as a means of material fragmentation for generating micro/nanoparticles in cryogenic environments. Finally, we propose a novel eco-friendly and sustainable approach for plastic waste recycling using cryo-comminution. We anticipate that our findings will contribute to an enhanced understanding of cavitation dynamics at cryogenic temperatures, with potential implications for both mitigating detrimental effects and harnessing cavitation for various applications.

Duke Scholars

Author Arpit Mishra