Prediction of sheet cavitation in a centrifugal pump impeller with the three-dimensional potential-flow model

R.J.H. Dijkers*, B. Fumex, J.G.H. Op de Woerd, N.P. Kruyt, H.W.M. Hoeijmakers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
23 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The occurrence of cavitation is one of the main limiting factors in the operation and design of centrifugal pumps. In this paper a model for the prediction of sheet cavitation is described. This model has been implemented in a three-dimensional finite-element package, employing the potential-flow approximation of the governing flow equations. At the interface between vapor and liquid, pressure equilibrium is required. The closure region of the cavity is modeled as the collapse of a bubble, whose motion is described by the Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The effect of displacement of the flow due to presence of the sheet cavity is incorporated by the transpiration technique. This is a linearised approach which is well-known from techniques for coupling inviscid-flow methods to boundary-layer methods. The model gives the location of the sheet cavity (if present); its length is thus also predicted. The model has been validated by comparing sheet cavitation at the blades of a centrifugal pump impeller, obtained from CFD-computations and from visual observations in a model test.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM2005
Subtitle of host publicationConference Proceedings
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
Pages1233-1238
Number of pages6
Volume1 PART B
ISBN (Electronic)9780791837603
ISBN (Print)9780791841983
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Event2005 ASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM 2005 - Houston, United States
Duration: 19 Jun 200523 Jun 2005

Conference

Conference2005 ASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM 2005
Abbreviated titleFEDSM
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period19/06/0523/06/05

Keywords

  • Cavitation
  • Centrifugal Pumps
  • CFD Analysis
  • NPSH
  • Potential Flow
  • 2023 OA procedure

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