Applying spectrum analysis and cepstrum analysis to examine the cavitation threshold in water and in salt solution

Abstract

The paper presents the way of determining the cavitation threshold by means of classical spectral analysis and proposes the usage of cepstrum analysis in examining the cavitation phenomenon. Cepstrum analysis enables a more lucid interpretation of signals generated in the cavitation process than the universally used Fourier analysis. This refers above all to evaluating the relationship between particular frequencies as well as frequency groups. The research conducted allowed us to observe the changes of spectrum near the cavitation threshold in water, in water partly degassed and in salt solution in the free field and in the standing wave field. Differences of spectrum structure for particular cases were noted, especially for the third harmonic and the first subharmonic. The measurements done in the standing wave field showed differences in spectrum, depending on whether the measurements were done in the loop or in the node of the wave. In particular, what was not observed was the occurrence of subharmonics with a frequency two times lower than the basic frequency which were typical of the free field. Other characteristic spectrum elements that could unmistakably point to reaching the cavitation threshold were not noticed either. The cepstrum analysis proved the existence of irregularities, hardly visible in the classical Fourier spectrum. This refers especially the range below the signal’s basic frequency.