Cavitation Model Research Articles

Assessment of Cavitation Erosion Using Combined Numerical and Experimental Approach

This paper aims to numerically assess the cavitation damage of hydrodynamic machines and hydraulic components and its development in time, based on cavitation erosion tests with samples of used materials. The theoretical part of this paper is devoted to the numerical simulation of unsteady multiphase flow by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and to the prediction of the erosive effects of the collapses of cavitation bubbles in the vicinity of solid surfaces. Compressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (URANS) are solved together with the Zwart cavitation model. To describe the destructive collapses of vapor bubbles, the modeling of cavitation bubble dynamics along selected streamlines or trajectories is applied. The hybrid Euler–Lagrange approach with one-way coupling and the full Rayleigh–Plesset equation (R–P) are therefore utilized. This paper also describes the experimental apparatus with a rotating disc used to reach genuine hydrodynamic cavitation and conditions similar to those of hydrodynamic machines. The simulations are compared with the obtained experimental data, with good agreement. The proposed methodology enables the application of the results of erosion tests to the real geometry of hydraulic machines and to reliably predict the locations and magnitude of cavitation erosion, so as to select appropriate materials or material treatments for endangered parts.

Identification of incipient cavitation in control valve

Control valves as important elements in hydraulic systems are used to transport liquid and gaseous media, for example, water, water vapor, and hydrogen. They are mainly used in the power engineering, chemical industry, and so forth. Due to their large dimensions, the verification of hydraulic parameters is problematic. In the case of liquid flow, cavitation can occur, which is mainly characterized by noise, vibrations, or changes of hydraulic parameters. During the incipient cavitation in the valve, there are no noticeable changes in the hydraulic characteristics. The article, therefore, deals with the methodology of determining the cavitation by measuring and evaluating the characteristics of the valve, spectral analysis of noise, and vibrations during water flow. Mathematical modeling is also a suitable tool for determining the extent of cavitation in valve design. Newly created modified cavitation model, where the flowing medium is defined as a mixture of incompressible water and compressible gases (vapor and air), better corresponds to physical principles than the two-phase approach (water and vapor) with experimentally modified density and viscosity. Measured noise and vibration frequency characteristics and mathematically modeled pressure frequency characteristics identify cavitation in the (1 to 10) kHz range. The article proves that when identifying cavitation, the method of measuring hydraulic characteristics fails, but the method of measuring noise and vibrations is suitable in practice, i.e., in real industrial equipment, and the modified cavitation model is suitable for identifying cavitation regions in structural designs of the hydraulic elements.

Large-eddy simulation of tip clearance cavitating flow around a hydrofoil

Large-eddy simulations of tip clearance cavitating flow between a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0012 hydrofoil and the endwall have been performed to investigate the effects of cavitation on vortical structures, turbulence statistics and hydrofoil performance within the tip clearance region. The wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity model is employed to compute the subgrid-scale stress, and the Zwart-Gerber-Belamri cavitation model is used to predict the cavitating flow. The simulation results show that cavitation has insignificant effects on the tip clearance flow structures and the wandering motion of the tip leakage vortex (TLV). Detailed analysis of turbulence statistics indicates that the turbulent kinetic energy and pressure fluctuation inside the TLV core are significantly increased under the effect of cavitation. In addition, it is found that cavitation enhances the unstable wall-normal motion of the TLV, leading to the enhancement of turbulence near the TLV core. The hydrofoil performance affected by cavitation is also investigated, showing that the lift and drag forces acting on the hydrofoil is substantially reduced due to the cavitation.

Investigation of the enhanced cavitation model considering turbulence effects of fuel flow in the injector nozzle holes

The cavitation model is essential in simulating cavitation flow characteristics of injector nozzles, with its accuracy directly impacting simulation precision. This paper developed a quantitative relationship between critical cavitation pressure, turbulent kinetic energy, and shear stress, and introduced a modified cavitation model that considers turbulence effects. A simulation study was conducted on the fuel flow characteristics inside the nozzle of a high-pressure common rail diesel injector with seven nozzle holes. The results indicate that compared to the original model, the cavitation development calculated by the modified model is enhanced at different injection pressures. In terms of axial distribution, cavitation inside the nozzle hole increases, but the impact on cavitation of different intensities varies, with the development of moderate to low-intensity cavitation being promoted, while strong cavitation is inhibited. In terms of radial distribution, the intensity of cavitation on the upper wall inside the nozzle hole increases, which is caused by the higher mass transfer rate near the upper wall at the nozzle hole inlet. As the injection pressure increases from 120 to 240 MPa, the change rate of cavitation volume ratio inside the nozzle holes calculated by the original and modified models increases from 5.1% to 9.7%. It is necessary to use the modified model for the calculations of gas/liquid two-phase flow within the nozzle hole, especially at high injection pressure.

Physics-Informed Neural Networks for the Reynolds Equation with Transient Cavitation Modeling

Gaining insight into tribological systems is crucial for optimizing efficiency and prolonging operational lifespans in technical systems. Experimental investigations are time-consuming and costly, especially for reciprocating seals in fluid power systems. Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) simulations offer an alternative but demand significant computational resources. Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) provide a promising solution using physics-based approaches to solve partial differential equations. While PINNs have successfully modeled hydrodynamics with stationary cavitation, they have yet to address transient cavitation with dynamic geometry changes. This contribution applies a PINN framework to predict pressure build-up and transient cavitation in sealing contacts with dynamic geometry changes. The results demonstrate the potential of PINNs for modeling tribological systems and highlight their significance in enhancing computational efficiency.

Numerical simulation of cavitation flow around a wing with new tubercles design

The study investigates the benefits of adding non-uniform leading-edge tubercles to hydrofoils, drawing inspiration from the complex shaping of humpback whale flippers. The focus is on managing cavitation, a phenomenon that can affect hydrofoil performance. While previous research has mainly looked at uniform sinusoidal tubercles and their positive impact on flow dynamics and cavitation control, this study introduces a new perspective by examining the effects of non-uniform tubercles on hydrofoil performance. Advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS Fluent 2024 were used to assess how these non-uniform tubercles affect the lift, drag, and cavitation characteristics of the NACA 634-021 hydrofoil. The simulations incorporated the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model and the SST k-ω turbulence model to accurately capture the flow dynamics. The results show that non-uniform tubercles improve cavitation control by disrupting the flow in a way that delays the onset and reduces the severity of cavitation. The modified hydrofoils (non-uniform tubercles) display improved hydrodynamic performance compared to baseline designs, with significant reductions in drag and increased lift at higher angles of attack. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of mimicking natural designs to enhance flow stability and address cavitation issues, offering a significant contribution to advanced hydrofoil design in scenarios where controlling cavitation is essential. The broader implications of this research underscore the potential of mimicking natural designs to transform hydrofoil engineering and enhance flow stability in various applications.

Effects of axial launch spacing on cavitation interference and load characteristics during underwater salvo

This paper analyzes the effect of launch interval on cavitation flow interference and load characteristics during underwater salvo. The study employs the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation and the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model, Volume of Fluid (VOF) multiphase flow model, and overlapping grid. Additionally, decompression experiment systems are designed, and numerical simulations are found to be in good agreement with experimental results, thus verifying the effectiveness of the simulation. Detailed discussions are provided on multiphase flow field and load distribution. The results reveal a top-down collapse process of the cavity, with collapse shrinking to an isolated bubble at the end. Synchronized collapse pressure is characterized by short pulse widths at the peaks, all located at the lowermost part of the cavity. During the underwater stage, when the axial launch spacing ranges between 0.5 times and 1.0 times the length of the projectile, the head of the second projectile acts on the area below the center of mass of the first. This leads to gradual stabilization of the initial cavity and a decrease in deviation of the center of mass toward the inside. Despite experiencing large-scale fracture and detachment due to interference from the wake of the first engine, the motion stability of the inside cavity of the second projectile remains intact. In the water exit stage, when the axial launch spacing ranges between 0.75 times and 1 time the length of the projectile, it causes expansion and contraction of the inside cavity of the second projectile. However, asymmetric synchronous collapse loads may occur, leading to unstable motion posture.

Mesoscopic modeling of interaction dynamics for two bubbles in the near-wall region

A nonorthogonal hybrid thermal lattice Boltzmann cavitation model is proposed in this study. The flow and density field are described by the pseudopotential model, while the temperature is realized by solving the macroscopic temperature function. The model is verified by simulating the Laplace law and a bubble evolves in the unbounded region. Furthermore, the interaction dynamics between two bubbles near the wall are investigated. The bubble collapse intensity is dominated by the initial bubble–bubble distance and bubble–wall distance. A pair of inclined reentrant jets are reported for the strong interaction modes, and splashing resulting from the jet collisions may lead to the bubble center shifting away from the wall or the axis of symmetry. For the weak interaction mode with dimensionless bubble-wall distance γ between 1 and 3.5, the maximum collapse pressure increases linearly. The maximum collapse pressure Pc_max decreases with increasing bubble spacing, and Pc_max for distance between two bubbles with d2=40lu increases by 9 % to 16.2 % compared to that of d2=30lu. The variation of the liquid film thickness h between adjacent cavitation bubbles is primarily governed by the expansion velocity of the bubble wall ḣ, and similarly, the thickness of the liquid film between the bubble wall follows the same principle with h∼ḣ−2. The bubble radius in the growth stage aligns closely with the theoretical analysis for the weak interaction mode, while discrepancies appear between the simulation and prediction due to the bubble losing its roundness in the collapse stage.

Cavitating flow through a Venturi using CFD: effects of inlet and outlet pressures

Hydrodynamic cavitation is a complex physical phenomenon that appeared in hydraulic systems (pumps, turbines, valves, Venturi tubes …etc.) when the fluid pressure decreases below the saturated vapor pressure. The works carried out in this study aimed to get a better understanding of the cavitating flow phenomenon. For this, we have numerically studied a cavitating bubbly flow through a venturi nozzle. The cavitation model is selected and solved using commercial code computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The numerical results are compared to the previous experimental and numerical data.The obtained results showed that the effect of the inlet pressure (10, 7, 5 and 2 bars) and outlet pressures (6.5, 6, 5, 4, 3.5, 1.5, and 1 bars) of the Venturi on pressure, velocity of the fluid flow and the vapor fraction formation. We found that the inlet and outlet pressures of the venturi are strongly affected on the evolution of the pressure, velocity and vapor fraction formation in the cavitating flow. The results presented in this study provide insight and useful guidance to the designer of hydrodynamic cavitation devices, identifying key geometrical and physical parameters of cavitation onset and intensification that can be manipulated to achieve the desired level of cavitation flow.

Numerical investigation of cavity dynamics and cavitation-induced vibrations of a flexible hydrofoil

This work investigates the cavitation and fluid–structure interaction characteristics of a flexible NACA0015 hydrofoil. The simulation incorporates the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model and two-way fluid–structure interactions. The detached eddy simulation method is employed to analyze the impact of cavitation and elastic deformation on hydrodynamic performance. The vibrational response and cavitating flow field around the hydrofoil are investigated. The results show that the vibrational mode of the elastic hydrofoil shifts with increasing flow speed. Furthermore, the vertical vibrational displacement of the hydrofoil aligns with the variations in cavitation volume in the flow field. The structural vibrational deformation of an elastic hydrofoil notably affects the evolution of cavitation. Additionally, fluid–structure interaction in the presence of cavitation influences the pattern of vortex shedding wakes in the flow field. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the design of hydrofoils constructed from composite elastic materials.

Analysis of multi-frequency ultrasound effect on acoustic microcavitations in [formula omitted]-dimensional fluid

Acoustic microcavitation and associated mechanical effects, such as stress and strain, are significant in decreasing cavitation thresholds and improving cavitation effects at multiple (i.e., single, dual, and triple) frequencies. Ultrasonic excitation and the introduction of microbubbles as cavitation nuclei are both extremely successful techniques. Besides, the enhancing effects brought on by a dual and triple frequency approach, the cavitation dynamics of microbubbles in viscoelastic tissues under the influence of dual and triple frequency excitation are poorly known. This work deals with the modelling and numerical investigation of acoustic cavitation in N-dimensional fluid based on the multifrequency of ultrasound fields. The mathematical model of ultrasonic microcavitation bubble dynamics is formulated by continuity and Navier-Stokes equations in N-dimensions and the equation of pressure due to acoustic multifield. The proposed model is solved and investigated numerically based on the hybrid-B-Spline method. The numerical results illustrate that the behaviour of the microcavitation bubble dynamics increases with a decrease of the value of the N-dimensional fluid. Moreover, the results of the numerical simulation show the importance of the effect of different multifrequency on the behaviour of the microbubble dynamics, as the results obtained showed that in the case of a single frequency, the radius of the microbubbles is higher than in the cases of dual and triple frequency. Additionally, at different initial radii values for cavitation microbubbles, the growth and departure rates for microcavitation dynamics were examined. Finally, in the proposed model, numerical solutions are studied, their stability is verified, and they are compared with previous theoretical works.

Multiscale modeling of cavitation around high-speed object based on Euler-Lagrange model and overset mesh

Abstract Cavitation is a common phenomenon, which usually occurs inside the high-speed liquid or at the liquid-solid interface. The unsteady behaviors of cavitating flow, such as shedding and collapse, can cause intense pressure fluctuations and reduce the stability of devices such as under-water high-speed vehicles. In addition, cavitating flow changes the dynamic characteristics of the liquid and causes vibration of the structure as well, making it extremely difficult in achieving precise control. Using OpenFOAM, the present work employs the large eddy simulation (LES) approach to investigate the characteristics of the unsteady cavitating flow around a high-speed under-water object with using the overset mesh technology. The volume of fluid (VOF) approach jointed with the Lagrangian discreate bubble model (DBM) is used for capturing the multiscale cavitation features. The Schnerr & Sauer model is applied for the mass transfer between water and vapor in macroscale, while the Reynolds-Pel equation is incorporated for the growing and collapsing of microscale bubbles. Due to the difficulty in incorporating the multi-scale method into the problems with mesh motion, the present work employs the overset mesh method. Compared with the published small-scale water tank experiment, the LES simulation results fit well with the experimental phenomena, and the DBM can capture the small bubbles accurately. On the basis of model verification, the mechanisms of cavitation forming and collapsing is investigated and the effect of cavitation shedding on the motion of the object is also studied. Moreover, the nucleation, growth, collapse of bubbles, and the interaction between discrete bubbles and large cavities can be well revealed. Further, the multi-scale Euler-Lagrange model is also applied in the rotating propeller, the generation of tip vortex cavitation which is hard to be captured by traditional models is well presented.

Autoinjector optimization through cavitation response and severity minimization

Abrupt acceleration of the syringe of an autoinjector (AI) upon rod-plunger impact may induce undesired severe cavitation events and impose extraneous stresses upon the device, leading to device failure. Cavitation results from a rapid and significant pressure drop in a liquid, leading to the formation and growth of small vapor-filled cavities. Upon collapse, these cavities generate an intense shock wave that may lead to protein aggregation and device container damage and shatter. Since the maximum acceleration of the syringe depends upon the operating conditions of the AI, the severity of cavitation will likewise depend on the operating conditions of the AI. Likewise, injection time and ensuring proper needle displacement before drug release also depend on operating conditions, making optimization of the autoinjector a multiobjective optimization problem.Therefore, in this study, optimization of an autoinjector to limit cavitation severity is pursued via an experimentally validated computational model for cavitation in spring-driven autoinjectors. Our goal is to locate AI design configurations that balance maximizing device performance and patient comfort and minimizing the risks of device damage and severe cavitation upon actuation.Relevant parameters of interest are the drive spring force, air gap height, solution viscosity, friction between the rod and spring, frictional force on the plunger, rates of change of frictional force on the plunger, elasticity of plunger, viscosity of the plunger, and initial displacement between the plunger and the driving rod. The kinematics of the syringe barrel, needle displacement (travel distance) at the start of drug delivery, and injection time are gathered using an experimentally validated autoinjector kinematics model. At the same time, cavitation bubble dynamics are resolved using an experimentally validated cavitation model that takes the temporal displacement of the syringe and temporal air gap pressure as inputs.We use our experimentally validated models to explore the parameter space and understand the driving factors of our desired outcomes. Subsequently, we pose the design problem as a multi-objective optimization problem and develop a deep neural network surrogate model supplemented with iterative learning to speed up optimization. A variance-based sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity and influence of design parameters on the outcomes, and the main contributors to the outcomes of interest were isolated. Using a multi-objective optimization framework, we located 300 + successful candidates and evaluated them through uncertainty analysis to identify three promising candidates that meet all criteria for drug viscosities of interest. Finally, we show that this methodology can be used to conduct hypothesis testing, leading to novel design configurations.

Numerical Simulation and Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Cavitation on 2D Tandem Hydrofoils Arrangement

Abstract In the current research, we used a parametric approach to investigate cavitation with tandem-arranged Clark Y-11.7% hydrofoils. We simulated the tandem-arranged hydrofoil system using ANSYS FLUENT with the Zwart cavitation model combined with the Transition SST turbulence model. To substantiate the accuracy and reliability of the numerical model, computations were performed for an individual Clark Y-11.7% hydrofoil and compared to experimental results. The following parameters were studied in tandem arrangement: cavitation number(σ), horizontal direction spacing ratio between two hydrofoils(x), vertical direction spacing ratio between two hydrofoils(y), angle of attack (AOA) of the upstream hydrofoil (α 1), and angle of the downstream hydrofoil relative to the upstream hydrofoil (α 2). The lift coefficient (C L) was used to estimate due to the acceptable error. An optimal artificial neural network (ANN) model was trained based on the five-parameter combination from numerical simulations. The model’s weights and biases were presented, providing a prediction method for hydrofoils in tandem arrangement with cavitation. A global sensitivity analysis based on the trained model is implemented, which reveals the AOA of the downstream hydrofoil (α 2), the horizontal spacing ratio (x), and the AOA of the upstream hydrofoil (α 1) have a main effect on the performance of the tandem arrangement.

Large eddy simulation of micro vortex generator-controlled cavitation across multiple stages

Micro vortex generators (mVGs) control cavitation by altering the boundary layer flow structure. This study employs the wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity large eddy simulation (WALE-LES) turbulence model combined with the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model to conduct transient numerical simulations on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0015 baseline hydrofoil and the hydrofoil equipped with mVGs under various cavitation numbers. The proper orthogonal decomposition method and experiments verify the accuracy and consistency of these simulations regarding cavity scale. The study elucidates mechanisms by which mVGs suppress cloud cavitation at low cavitation numbers and induce vortex cavitation at high cavitation numbers. Results indicate that mVGs maintain sheet cavitation characteristics at low cavitation numbers, reducing wall pressure fluctuations and enhancing flow stability. During cavitation inception, mVG-induced vortex cavitation leads to early cavitation formation. In the sheet cavitation phase, modal energy distribution is more dispersed, while in the inception phase, energy is concentrated with significant dominant modes. Moreover, the counter-rotating vortices generated by mVGs mitigate flow separation, enhance leading-edge flow attachment stability, and reduce high-frequency vibrations caused by bubble shedding. This study significantly advances the understanding of cavitation control by accurately simulating and revealing the cavitation control mechanisms of mVGs across different stages using the WALE-LES model. The findings demonstrate that mVGs can effectively stabilize cavity structures at low cavitation numbers, reducing flow instabilities and enhancing overall hydrofoil performance. These insights will have a significant impact on the design of hydrofoils and the development of cavitation control strategies.

Computational comparison of passive control for cavitation suppression on cambered hydrofoils in sheet, cloud, and supercavitation regimes

Cavitation is a transient, highly complex phenomenon found in numerous applications and can have a significant impact on the characteristics as well as the performance of the hydrofoils. This study compares the evolution of transient cavitating flow over a NACA4412(base) (NACA stands for National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) cambered hydrofoil and over the same hydrofoil modified with a pimple and a finite (circular) trailing edge. The assessment covers sheet, cloud, and supercavitation regimes at an 8° angle of attack and the Reynolds number of 1×106, with cavitation numbers ranging from 0.9 to 0.2. The study aims to comprehensively understand the role of the rectangular pimple in controlling cavitation and its impact on hydrodynamic performance across these regimes. Numerical simulations were performed using a realizable model and the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri (ZGB) cavitation model to resolve turbulence and cavitation effects. The accuracy of the present numerical predictions has been verified both quantitatively and qualitatively with available experimental results. The present analysis includes the time evolution of cavities, temporal variation in total cavity volume, time-averaged total cavity volume, distributions of vapor volume fractions along the chord length, and their hydrodynamic performance parameters. Results demonstrate that rectangular pimples have significant impacts in the different cavitation regimes. In the sheet cavitation regime (σ=0.9), the NACA4412(pimpled) hydrofoil exhibits minimal cavity length and transient volume changes as compared to the NACA4412(base) hydrofoil. In the cloud cavitation regimes (σ=0.5), cavity initiation occurs differently, starting from the pimpled location for the NACA4412(pimpled) hydrofoil, unlike the initiation just downstream of the nose in the case of base hydrofoil. In the supercavitation regimes (σ=0.2), the cavity length remains comparable, but the NACA4412(pimpled) hydrofoil exhibits larger cavity volume evolution in both cloud and supercavitation regimes (σ=0.5 and σ=0.2) after initial fluctuations. Furthermore, hydrodynamic performance for the NACA4412(pimpled) hydrofoil shows 41%, 36%, and 17% lower lift coefficients, and 46%, 27%, and 9% lower drag coefficients in sheet, cloud, and supercavitation, respectively.

Numerical simulation of unsteady cloud cavitation in an orifice nozzle by a compressible gas-vapor/liquid mixture cavitation model

Abstract Focused on the behaviour of unsteady cloud cavitation in a submerged orifice nozzle, this work presents a numerical investigation by using a compressible gas-vapor/liquid mixture cavitation model. The mean flow of the two-phase mixture is calculated by URANS for compressible fluid and the intensity of cavitation is evaluated by the gas volumetric void fraction considering the effect of fluid compressibility varying with phase change. Water jets issuing from a submerged orifice nozzle are investigated under different cavitation conditions. Computation results are compared with experiment data and the validity of computation is confirmed. The periodical shedding of cavitation clouds is captured reliably. Numerical simulations reveal that a leading cloud principally split by the shear flow and a subsequent cloud detached by the re-entrant jet are successively shed downstream, and they coalesce over the range of approximately x/d ≈ 2∼3. This process is repeated and the flow rate coefficient pulsates periodically under the effect of cavitation clouds.

Numerical study of rotating cavitation and pressure pulsations in a centrifugal pump impeller

To investigate the variations in the flow field of centrifugal pumps with different cavitation numbers, this study utilized the shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model and Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model to examine the correlation between stall vortices and cavitation flow. The findings indicate that cavitation consistently coincides with the formation of stall vortices, and the distribution of cavitation mirrors the pattern of stall vortex structure. Cavitation tends to develop and aggregate around stall vortices, obstructing a significant portion of inlet areas within the flow channel. As the cavitation number decreases, both the area and intensity of stall vortices increase. For cavitations margins σ = 0.41, 0.23, and 0.15, we observed propagation frequencies of stall vortices at fs = 2.7, 1.8, and 0.9 Hz respectively, as these frequencies decrease relative to impeller movement until reaching near-stationary states. The pressure pulsations in various flow channels exhibit distinct phase differences; smaller cavity numbers result in larger phase disparities along with a gradual reduction in pressure pulsation amplitude. These discoveries present effective strategies for controlling and reducing both cavity formation and pressure fluctuations within centrifugal pumps, thereby enhancing overall stability.

Numerical investigation on cavitation erosion and evolution of choked flow in a tri-eccentric butterfly valve

The tri-eccentric butterfly valve is widely utilized in the petrochemical, nuclear, and metallurgy industries due to its robust sealing performance and great pressure resistance. When the local static pressure is lower than the saturation vapor pressure, the fluid phase is transformed into vapor, and cavitation occurs. Cavitation intensifies and the bubbles generated by cavitation severely hinder the flow when the inlet pressure remains constant and the outlet pressure further decreases. This phenomenon is known as choked flow. Choked flow is a derivative phenomenon of cavitation, which seriously threatens the lifetime of valves and the safety of the operation system. In this paper, a multiphase flow of the tri-eccentric butterfly valve is modeled to investigate the choked flow characteristics. The numerical results based on the proposed model are in good agreement with the experiments. The effect of the pressure drop on the mass flow rate and flow coefficient is studied and the liquid pressure recovery factor of the tri-eccentric butterfly is determined at the certain valve opening degree based on the Schnerr and Sauer cavitation model. The relationship between the pressure ratio and choked flow is studied by pressure and velocity contours. The susceptible erosion locations and primary causes of erosion for the butterfly valve at the certain valve opening degree are investigated. By comparison of the distribution of the vapor volume fraction and vortex structures, the spatial correlation between vortex and choked flow is revealed. Meanwhile, the effect of the pressure ratios on the average vapor volume fraction at 70% and 100% valve opening degrees is studied. The evolution of choked flow in the tri-eccentric butterfly is revealed and the cause of choking is pointed out.

Numerical analysis of cavitation characteristics on front surfaces of different Pelton turbine buckets

Abstract Cavitation may occur in the runner bucket of the Pelton turbine, which could lead to cavitation erosion on the bucket surface. In this paper, three types of bucket were selected to carry out transient multiphase flow simulation at the same operating point of a model Pelton turbine. The hydraulic performance and cavitation characteristics of different buckets were analysed. The 3 bucket models were developed for Pelton turbines operating under the middle-high and the high-water head range, respectively. Results showed that the participation of cavitation model in simulation would slightly affect the working process of the bucket. The cavitation on the front surface of three buckets all happened at the beginning stage of jet inflowing the bucket, among which bucket C had the most serious cavitation on the front surface. This work showed different cavitation characteristics among various types of bucket, and the relevant result suggested comprehensive design considering cavitation characteristics should be done on the front surface of the bucket for a specific range of water head.