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PurposeThis study aims to research the prediction performance of the bifurcation approach with different base models in different kinds of turbulent flows with rotation and curvature.Design/methodology/approachThe k−ω and Shear-Stress Transport (SST) k−ω models are modified by using the complete eddy viscosity coefficient expression, and the latter is modified by using two sets of model coefficients. The two bifurcation models were tested in three cases: rotating channel flow with system rotation, Taylor–Couette flow with wall rotation and curvature effect and swirling flow through an abrupt axisymmetric expansion with inlet swirling flow.FindingsIn these flows, the bifurcation approach can significantly improve the prediction performance of the base model in the fluctuation velocity. The deviation of the BSkO model is slightly superior to the BkO model by about 2% in the Taylor–Couette flow. The prediction effect of the root-mean-square (RMS) velocity of the BSkO model increases by about 4–5% as the number of grids increases about 2.37 times, and the best is the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) grid used. Finally, compared with the SST k−ω model, the average iteration time of the SST with curvature correction (SST-CC), bifurcation k−ω (BkO) and bifurcation SST k−ω (BSkO) models increased by 27.7%, 86.9% and 62.3%, respectively.Originality/valueThis study is helpful to understand further the application of the bifurcation method in the turbulence model.

Purpose This study aims to develop and validate a new cavitation model that considers thermodynamic effects for high-temperature water flows. Design/methodology/approach The Rayleigh–Plesset equation and “B-factor” method proposed by Franc are used to construct a new cavitation model called “thermodynamic Zwarte–Gerbere–Belamri” (TZGB) by introducing the thermodynamic effects into the original ZGB model. Furthermore, the viscous term of the Rayleigh–Plesset equation is considered in the TZGB model, and the model coefficients are formulated as a function of temperature. Cavitating flows around the NACA0015 hydrofoil under different water temperatures (25°C, 50°C and 70°C) at the angle of attack of 5° are calculated. Findings Results of the investigated temperatures show good agreement with the available experimental data. Given that the thermodynamic and viscosity effects are included in the TZGB model and the model coefficients are treated as a function of temperature, the TZGB model shows better performance in predicting the pressure coefficient distribution and length of cavity than the original ZGB cavitation model and other models do. The TZGB model aims to determine the thermodynamic and viscosity effects and perform better than the other models in predicting the mass transfer rate, particularly in high-temperature water. Originality/value The TZGB model shows potential in predicting the cavitating flows at high temperature and the computational cost of this model is similar to that of the original ZGB model.