Impact of induced shock waves on cavitation bubble collapse dynamics and load characteristics

Induced shock waves significantly influence cavitation evolution and load characteristics, offering a feasible means to control cavitation. However, the complex coupling mechanism between shock waves and cavitation remains to be fully elucidated. This study uses numerical simulations to investigate the effects of shock wave characteristics on cavitation dynamics and load characteristics under free field, near-rigid wall, and near-elastic–plastic wall conditions. Results show that the increased shock wave intensity accelerates cavitation collapses, increases collapse loads, and enhances the peak velocities of collapsing water jets, exacerbating damage to elastic–plastic structures. Reflection waves from rigid walls enhance the nonlinear characteristics of the cavitation collapses, leading to different collapse modes. Elastic–plastic thin walls, with limited reflection capability, exert a weaker influence on the dynamics of primary cavitation collapses but significantly alter the evolution of secondary collapses and their load intensities. The study provides a fitting formula for the relationship between burst distance, peak jet velocity, and corresponding time, which predicts the parameters of water jets from cavitation collapses within a specific range. These findings deepen the understanding of the interactions between cavitation and induced shock waves, significantly aiding in controlling and utilizing cavitation effects.