Vortex cavitation in a submerged transitional jet is studied with unsteady three-dimensional direct numerical simulations. A locally homogeneous cavitation model that accounts for non-linear bubble dynamics and bubble/bubble interactions within spherical bubble clusters is employed. The velocity, vorticity, and pressure fields are compared for both cavitating and noncavitating jets. It is found that cavitation occurs in the cores of the primary vortical structures, distorting and breaking up the vortex ring into several sections. The velocity and transverse vorticity in the cavitating regions are intensified due to vapor formation, while the streamwise vorticity is weakened. An analysis of the vorticity transport equation reveals the influence of cavitation on the relative importance of the vortex stretching, baroclinic torque, and dilatation terms. Statistical analysis shows that cavitation suppresses jet growth and decreases velocity fluctuations within the vaporous regions of the jet.
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