Direct and indirect thermal applications of hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation: A review

The phase change phenomenon in fluids as a result of low local pressure under a critical value is known as cavitation. Acoustic wave propagation or hydrodynamic pressure drop of the working fluid are the main reasons for inception of this phenomenon. Considering the released energy from the collapsing cavitation bubbles as a reliable source has led to its implementation to different fields, namely, heat transfer, surface cleaning and fouling, water treatment, food industry, chemical reactions, energy harvesting. A considerable amount of energy in the mentioned industries is required for thermal applications. Cavitation could serve for minimizing the energy demand and optimizing the processes. Thus, the energy efficiency of the systems could be significantly enhanced. This review article focuses on the direct and indirect thermal applications of hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation. Relevant studies with emerging applications are discussed, while developments in cavitation, which have given rise to thermal applications during the last decade, are also included in this review.