This study employs the VOF method to conduct the direct numerical simulation of the collapse progress of the near-wall bubble cluster. Factors such as viscosity, compressibility, and surface tension are taken into account, with an emphasis on the flow field energy evolution. Firstly, the collapse of a cubic bubble cluster comprising 64 bubbles is simulated, validating previous research regarding the morphological evolution and energy release mechanisms during cluster collapse. Overall, the cubic bubble cluster collapse exhibits a layer-by-layer phenomenon, where the outer layer bubbles collapse first, converting a portion of bubble potential energy into fluid kinetic energy, which then contributes to the inner layer bubble collapse. The pressure wave energy is primarily released when the whole bubble cluster completely collapses. Secondly, we investigate the collapse process of columnar bubble clusters, which closely resemble realistic cloud cavitation. By comparing the collapse behavior of bubble clusters with different heights, we reveal the non-linear delay effect of the cluster height on the collapse time. Additionally, we consolidate our long-term research on the bubble cluster and conclude that both the scale and shape of the bubble clusters have a limited impact on the conversion rate $\eta$ of bubble potential energy to pressure wave energy $\eta$. For instance, when the stand-off distance $\eta =1.5$ and the inter-bubble distance $D=2.5$, the conversion rate $\eta$ remains consistently 9–15% for various bubble clusters of different scales and shapes.

In order to investigate the bubble dynamics and thermal effects of stable cavitation under different acoustic fields, this study computes and analyzes a series of DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation) approaches with the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method. The analysis focuses on bubble clusters with a radius of 1.5 μm and a void ratio of ${10}^{-6}$, commonly encountered in ultrasound therapy. Firstly, the results show that the thermal effects of bubble cavitation are non-linearly positively correlated with the ultrasound amplitude and the volume changes of the bubbles. Meanwhile, acoustic scattering caused by ultrasound passing through the bubbles leads to acoustic pressure focusing, intensifying cavitation. Secondly, the thermal effect is most evident at an acoustic frequency of 250 kHz. When the ultrasound input frequency is higher than 250 kHz, acoustic attenuation occurs, while at frequencies lower than 250 kHz, the efficiency of bubbles’ energy absorption reduces. Finally, when the acoustic pressure amplitude on the bubble surface is above 210 kPa, the thermal effect of cavitation is significantly enhanced. However, the temperature rise in the flow domain gradually slows with time and eventually reaches a fixed rate. To sum up, to optimize and control the thermal effects of ultrasound therapy, the ultrasound frequency and amplitude must be carefully selected based on the targeted bubble cluster.