Pressure distribution and cavitation in counter-vortex flow energy dissipators of hydraulic spillways

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of cavitation phenomena of counter-vortex flow energy dissipators that can be used in hydraulic spillways. The spillways providing the surface flow transitionn at hydraulic structures are equipped with energy dissipators of the discharged flow. An increase in the effective pressure on the hydropower project leads to an increase in the flow velocities and, hence , to an increase in the loads acting on the structures. One of such a manifestation is cavitation and cavitation erosion associated with it, which can lead to destruction of structures. The objective of the study consists in determining the cavitation characteristics of counter-vortex flow energy dissipators. The study was carried out by modeling using high-head physical models. The counter-vortex method of excess flow energy dissipation based on the work of viscous friction forces allows the flow energy to be dissipated in a very short part of the flow conductor system of the spillway. This feature of the counter-vortex flow energy dissipator imposes special requirements to the study of cavitation phenomena. The carried out studies resulted in obtaining the distribution of pressures lengthwise the flow conductor system of the energy dissipator with spiral swirls. The values of the cavitation coefficient and relative pressure at different points of the device are given. In the conclusions it is noted that the most dangerous part from the viewpoint of cavitation orrurence is the initial section of the flow energy dissipation chamber; cavitation due to flow separation and bubble cavitation occur within the flow and does not affect the structural elements; on a large-scale model working for 500 hours at pressures of up to 70 m cavitation erosion of the walls has not been detectd.