Abstract
The strong swirling flow at the exit of the runner of a Francis turbine at part load causes flow instabilities and cavitation surges in the draft tube, deteriorating the performance of the hydraulic power system. The unsteady cavitating turbulent flow in the draft tube is simplified and modeled by a diffuser with swirling flow using the Scale-adaptive simulation method. Unsteady characteristics of the vortex rope structure and the underlying mechanisms for the interactions between the cavitation and the vortices are both revealed. The generation and evolution of the vortex rope structures are demonstrated with the help of the iso-surfaces of the vapor volume fraction and the Qcriterion. Analysis based on the vorticity transport equation suggests that the vortex dilatation term is much larger along the cavity interface in the diffuser inlet and modifies the vorticity field in regions with high density and pressure gradients. The present work is validated by comparing two types of cavitation surges observed experimentally in the literature with further interpretations based on simulations.
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.
