Experimental and numerical investigation of cavitation on Clark Y foil

Abstract

The results of experimental investigation of cavitation in flow over Clark Y foil are presented. The cavitation test rig included a chamber with a blade profile fixed to the rotary disc that enabled to set different angles of attack. Working fluid was water at temperature 16°C. For different flow conditions (water velocity, pressure) the pictures of cavitating flow were taken and analyzed. The pressure at the inlet and outlet of the chamber were measured, as well as the value of volumetric flow rate. That enabled to determine the cavitation number for each case. The mechanism of cavitation structures appearance, growth and collapse was observed and described. The numerical simulation of cavitating flow was also performed by means of Open FOAM software with interphase Change Foam solver. Kunz cavitation model was chosen for calculations, with k-ω SST turbulence model. The assumption of isothermal, two–phase flow was made. The vapour areas appearance, their shapes and changes in time were described and compared with experimental results. The main features of cavitating flow were caught, but the further adjustment of cavitation model is recommended.