Abstract
Cavitation is one of the major causes for erosive wear in reaction hydraulic turbines. Evaluation of cavitation characteristics is one of the most important tasks while designing a water turbine. Aim of present work is to analyze the effects of cavitation phenomenon at different operating regimes of a 3 MW capacity prototype Francis turbine using CFD code ANSYS CFX. Detailed flow field analyses for part loads of 60% and 80%, full load and overload operation of 120% with and without cavitation are performed. A comparative study among different turbulent models is also carried out in order to select the most suitable and compatible model with cavitation model based on Rayleigh-Plesset equation. Different stages of profile cavitation in runner and development of cavitation in draft tube for different operating conditions are analyzed thoroughly. Estimation of suction head (turbine setting above the tail race) and turbine cavitation coefficient is one of the major objectives of the work. A critical study of variation of different flow parameters for with and without cavitation cases is one of the important highlights of the paper. Computationally obtained results are compared with experimental and literature results which are found in well accord with the former.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
