Numerical analysis of cavitated flows in mixed-flow pump impellers

This paper deals with the flow model based on the Navier-Stokes computation and the simulation of bubble dynamics in the flow field, solving the Rayeigh-Plesset equation alongflow characteristics. No interaction between bubbles is considered. The initial bubble sizedistribution is based on a precribed distribution law and the initial void fraction. The flowpast the blades of mixed-flow pump impellers is investigated including the tip leakage flowsfor three different impeller configurations, aimed to predict the impeller configuration influence on cavitation phenomena, especially the blade surface regions endangered with the cavitation phenomena, especially the blade surface regions endangered with the cavitation erosion.

---

This work has been supported by the Department of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic under grant FB-C3/80/00 "Increase of Utility Value of Hydrodynamic Machines by Parameters Intensification and Introducing Advanced Technologies" and by the Grant Agency of CAS under grant S2076003 "Suppression of Onset and Effects of Cavitation in Hydrodynamic Machines".