Extended homogenous mathematical transport model for thermo dynamical surge analysis

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is numerical simulation and experimental analysis of a cavitation operating regime in a centrifugal water pump. The main goal is to extend the mathematical model to be able to predict the phenomena where thermodynamic process is controlled by an hydrodynamic flow pattern.Design/methodology/approachThe mathematical model is being extended and used for numerical simulation of an unstable operating regime in a water pump. Numerical simulation results were compared to thermal imaging system visualisation and flow variables measurements results.FindingsThe presented approach increases the system stability. The model can be used for simulation of system instabilities that involve not just the pump characteristics but those of the complete piping system. Modified turbulence model including compressibility effects lead to reliable simulation results of pump unsteady cavitation behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to an homogenous cavitation transport model based on the additional transport equation approach. The validation results are connected to a single commercial radial water pump geometry and the numerical domain size is limited by computer capability.Originality/valueThe work extends the application of an homogenous cavitation model to the complicated flow regime using advanced turbulence modelling. The re‐entrant jet behaviour in a rotating pump is modelled successfully. The work adds the value of numerical simulation models to engineering problems in fluid machinery.