Cavitation in a Partially Filled Piston-cylinder under Dynamic Loading

Acceleration-induced cavitation refers to the phenomenon where a liquid set into motion by an impulsive force may result in the onset of cavitation. These bubbles can lead to damage to the surrounding materials and systems. We present an experimental investigation of pressure wave dynamics and associated cavitation in a water-filled cylinder. To vary the system loading between near-constant acceleration and impulsive loading, a single-piston driver is utilized with varied fill levels. The onset of cavitation is induced or suppressed by varying the pressure in the air-filled volume. Wave activity and fluid cavitation are monitored through piezoelectric pressure transducers and high-speed videography capturing direct visualization of liquid interfaces and cavitation onset. We compare the experimental results to those predicted by a one-dimensional compressible wave model. Experimental and numerical phase maps will be presented and compared with an impulse classifier algorithm. Prediction of the spatial location of cavitation onset and its dependent parameters within the cylinder will be provided.