Experience using pressure-based CFD methods for Euler–Euler simulations of cavitating flows

•Two algorithms accounting for density variations in cavitating flows are investigated.•Ill-conditioned matrices may occur for steady-state problems or large time steps.•Transient flow adjustment of the Rhie–Chow correction is needed for small time steps.•Shock wave formation and propagation was modeled with pressure peaks up to 900bar.•Quantitative results showed strong dependency on the choice of the cavitation model.